For about 40 years, it’s gotta be a Pepsi during Veishea weekend.

Now Coke wants in. Both soda giants are making a run at the exclusive beverage rights to Iowa State’s huge spring celebration.

Veishea officials will decide today whether Veishea-goers will be dancing with the Coca-Cola polar bear or quenching their thirst with the taste of Pepsi’s new generation.

Alan Beck, co-chairman of the Veishea marketing committee, said there’s a lot to consider. “There are certain items that we will consider when making the final decision,” Beck said.

Beck was quiet about the decision-making process, saying students will have to wait until today for the as-yet-confidential soda news.

Beck said both Pepsi and Coca-Cola have sent Veishea officials individual packages of information, urging them to pick their refreshments. Coke officials have bid for the contract in previous years, including last year.

“We will look them both over, and basically we will take the best package,” Beck said.

Pepsi’s history with the celebration may give the blue-canned beverage an advantage. In the past, the contract between Pepsi and Veishea has been part monetary and part Pepsi products.

“This could possibly impact our decision,” Beck said.

The Veishea marketing committee has also taken recommendations from other organizations into account.

This isn’t the first time the Pepsi vs. Coke debate has been played out on campus. The Veishea soda debate comes in the wake of a university shift to Coke-only campus vending machines.