Music blasted as students gathered for the third annual Wolfpack After Dark to participate in free pizza, sumo wrestling and massive games of Twister. The glow-in-the-dark celebration was a hit this past Friday. Students came out for a night filled with inflatables, giveaways, pizza and music. The event lasted from 9-11 p.m. at Stafford Commons.
Wolfpack After Dark was originally created in 2014, and was immediately a success as many students came out to have a good time on campus. Last year, the event was not as successful due to weather conditions that led to the event being moved indoors. This year’s event, however, was another success as the skies were clear and students were smiling as they dressed up in sumo-wrestling outfits and won free prizes.
Luis Esteves, Union Activities Board (UAB) Concerts and Entertainment chair, was the prime organizer of the event this year. Along with Wolfpack After Dark, Esteves has helped organize homecoming festivities, the Spring Concert and more.
The Concerts and Entertainment chapter of UAB is responsible for planning university concerts, as well as giving students the chance to participate in events that help enrich their time at NC State. UAB Concerts and Entertainment highlights the arts, allowing students to immerse themselves in a variety of creative outlets.
Although UAB events seem like smooth sailing, plenty of planning occurs beforehand to ensure a success.
“We usually try to have a very detailed outline of how our events will work well in advance before the date,” said Esteves, a junior majoring in international studies. “We have certain guidelines on how soon before the event we have to have everything prepared. Almost all events are planned at the very least a month in advance.”
“It’s essentially a way for students to blow off steam and have a fun Friday night without having to go off campus,” Esteves said.
The DJ used for Wolfpack After Dark, DJ J.P., was a student, as UAB makes a point to help out fellow students.
“We always try to do what’s best for students and alumni,” Esteves said.
The giveaway table featured a wheel students could spin, which determined which prize they would receive. Prizes included everything from tank tops, to water bottles to bandanas. The line for the giveaway table was lengthy, but students walked away with a smile on their faces.
Free T-shirts were available for those who won an inflatable game, such as Twister or jousting. Free pizza was also a big hit among students.
“Students really like free pizza, and free food in general,” Esteves said.
Wolfpack After Dark this year boasted a crowd just big enough to make it a party, and small enough to avoid overcrowding.
“We want to reach the largest crowd we can, my goal is just that: to have students enjoy themselves on campus, so they don’t have to go out of their way to have a good time,” Esteves said.
Jordan Williams, a junior studying communication and vice chair of UAB Concerts and Entertainment, worked alongside Esteves to make Wolfpack After Dark 2016 a success.
“It’s mainly just a fun little event,” Williams said. “We usually have them closer to the beginning of the year. It’s a hangout event where students can come and just relax. It’s mainly an opportunity to hang out with friends and chill out for a little bit.”
According to Williams, good marketing and planning, as well as a good location, were key factors in the event’s success.
“We had to get all of the inflatable info, the pizzas together, getting the spaces correct,” Williams said. “We have to know all of the measurements of everything we use and get all the gifts and giveaways together.”
Leading up to this year’s Wolfpack After Dark, Williams was ready to see the results of UAB’s hard work.
“I am most excited to see everyone come out, and see how much fun we have,” Williams said.
UAB Concerts and Entertainment is currently planning more fun-filled events for students such as the homecoming concert, which will feature rapper T.I.
Students participate in a game of giant inflatable twister as part of the Wolfpack After Dark event held on Stafford Commons Friday night. The event was hosted by NC State's Union Activities Board and featured several games as well as pizza and giveaways.
