U of A attempts dodgeball record

More than 1,200 University of Alberta students and staff attempted to set a world record for the number of players in a single dodgeball game Friday.

Brennan Murphy, one of the student organizers, said dodgeball is a popular activity at Lister Hall on the U of A campus.

"Some of our nights at Lister we get more people in the gym than the current record," he said, noting the current world record for the number of players in a single game of dodgeball is 450, set by San Diego State University earlier this year.

"Our first goal was, well, we can blow them out of the water."

More than 400 balls were set up at the centre line at the Butterdome over the noonhour Friday as the event got underway. Organizers said the event was intended to help bring faculty and students together.

"It's part of a campus-wide initiative … for campus involvement," said Murphy.

"Students and professors coming out together … this is the opening ceremonies for it. We decided to break the record for it."

Players dressed in the university colours of green and gold for the event.

It is expected to be several months before Guinness World Records officials verify the record-breaking attempt.