College skate night offers themed fun for students
A recreational activity designed for college students’ debuted last Thursday, marking the first out of five themed skating nights at the Eccles Ice Center.
The ice center is planning activities to appeal to college students during the end of this semester. The rink will be open April 7 through May 5, from 9:15 p.m. to 11 p.m. Thursdays for Utah State University students or any college student in town.
The College Night Skating Party is open to the public, but was made mostly to attract college students, therefore a discount of $1 off admission is offered with a college I.D. and skate rental at $1.50. The rink set the time to appeal to the college crowd, but not attract other age groups, such as families or younger people.
College Night was created, not to compete with other activities in Logan, but for some added value to students’ schedules, said Joy Brisighella, marketing director for the Eccles Ice Center. Those who planned the activity hope it is early enough that students could enjoy the rink before going on to other activities, such as country dancing at Club NVO. The rink is also offering an alcohol free activity in the best interest of the students.
“We wanted to provide something for college students that was an alcohol free alternative to White Owl Night,” Brisighella said.
Live music and lights are provided by Jason Reese of DJ Sun. Reese will take requests on the ice for any genre of music. The lights create a dance club atmosphere for skaters.
Reese has been working as a disc jockey since 1984 and has brought music to Utah, Idaho and Oregon. He started here in Cache Valley performing at local schools such as Logan High, Sky View High and Mountain Crest High. He now DJs for clubs, private parties and the ice center.
The idea for college night came up after the New Years’ Eve party where Reese played. While at the ice center, Reese suggested the idea of theme nights for the need of college entertainment. The idea was to attract college age people for recreation and sport.
“It’s something great, something new, and Logan needs something completely different,” Reese said. “People are bored of the same things.”
Students do not have to dress up, but those who come dressed in a theme costume for the night will receive a coupon for one free popcorn from the concession stand. Full concessions are available every night.
For those who are new at skating, there are staff members skating on the ice at all times that can assist.
“The employees are skating around all the time and will help if they’re asked,” said Mckenzie Murri, an employee at the ice center. “Just grab a cute guy or cute girl to help you.”
The ice center will take suggestion for the next group of theme nights, coming in the fall of 2005. Suggestions are taken by Arielle Hardy or any supervisor at the front counter in the center. They want suggestions for theme nights or ideas for other college focused activities. The center writes programs based on the community’s needs, so input is vital. Summer activities depend on the demands made by the public.
Community oriented activities, such as the College Night Skating Party and other happenings, are posted on yahoo.com groups under Logan Underground (www.groups.yahoo.com/group/loganunderground). The cite includes information on band concerts, parties, BBQs and other local programs with flyers and information posted regularly.
-ashleywach@cc.usu.edu
Themed Skating Nights:
* April 7: 80s Night-poofy hair, leg warmers and day glo colors are in.
* April 14: Road Warrior Night-for those who were born to be wild. Wear leather, biker gear or truck hats.
* April 21: Punk Rock Night-get creative with safety pins and hair gel while wearing your favorite band’s t-shirt.
* April 28: Disco Night-imagine Saturday Night Fever on a Thursday.
* May 5: Hippie Night- wear paisley prints, flowers in hair and bell bottoms.