Lights Out: The best night of the year thus far

Sept. 6, over 400 students gathered at the University Y for a night of glow in the dark festivities at the third annual Lights Out, one of the largest events of the year.

The Student Activities Board hosted the event in partnership with the University Y Student Center. Students were the primary attendees at the event, as all students were given free entrance. One free guest pass was given to students in attendance, and additional non-students guest passes were sold at $5.

This year’s Lights Out had the highest attendance to date. Last year, around 200 students joined the night of glow in the dark activities and free food.

“We had a huge turnout last year so we wanted to amplify that excitement with more activities,” said Brittany Sanchez-Reed, Student Programs Specialist of University Y Student Center. “Every year we have built off the success of the year before and try to make it a fun and unique experience for students.”

In the past, the event was held later in the school year; but this year, the event was held a few weeks into autumn quarter to be a morale boosting event for new and returning UWT students.

“Our goal, in partnership with the Y, was to create an exciting welcome to the University and to the University Y Student Center,” Sanchez-Reed said.

Attendees decked themselves out in bright white and neon clothing and sported glow sticks as accessories for this evening of entertainment. Participants were also given baseball hats that read “Lights Out” to add to their ensemble.

The event brought together students and their guests with activities in the dark, such as mixfit, dancing, rock climbing, ping pong and an inflatable obstacle course. A DJ played during the event and free pizza was also offered — which was consumed within the first hour of the night.

Lights Out brought the University Y to life with such a high turnout and array of activities. The event was the largest collaborative project so far between SAB and the University Y.

Melanie Koch, Marketing and Communications Director at the University Y, said, “Some of the highlights of the event were the obstacle course, climbing wall, dance, carnival games and MIXXEDFIT.”

“It kicked off the school year in a great way, and brought together community members and students for a night of fun,” Koch said.