In efforts to keep more than 2,500 N.C. State students awake, top-40 music blared and bright lights illuminated the PNC Arena Friday, as attendees of this year’s N.C. State Basketball Campout will earn six loyalty points that can be used during the upcoming N.C. State men’s basketball season.
To kick off the night, the men’s basketball team played a scrimmage for “Primetime with the Pack,” an official introduction of the new team to the public.
Julia Buonanno, a freshman in fashion textile management, said the primetime scrimmage was still her favorite part of the night.
“I came out tonight because I am so excited for the men’s basketball season to start, and I can’t wait to see the Wolfpack have a successful season,” Buonanno said.
Buonanno, who was looking forward to the six loyalty points students earned Friday night, said she wishes the Wolfpack good luck. She said she hopes they win an ACC Championship.
“I feel like there’s a lot of work the team could do but they definitely do show a promising spirit,” Buonanno said.
Student organizations, such as Student Government and University Recreation, attended the all-night event.
“There’s so much free swag, it’s almost like Welcome Week all over again,” said Matthew Williams, the master of ceremonies for the night and member of the senior class council.
Williams said this campout replaced the all-night tradition that formerly took place at Reynolds Coliseum. Last year was the first year the event took place at the PNC Arena.
“There’s really not a great place to do it on campus,” Williams said. “They tried to do it on Miller Field one year, and it just didn’t work. It was bad. It was just cold.”
Williams said last year, Student Government partnered with the PNC Arena and the Athletics Department at N.C. State to move locations.
“We are turning an old tradition into a new one, and it’s grown so much in the last few years,” Williams said. “It’s a once in a lifetime experience. How many times can you say you spent the time in the PNC arena?”
In addition to “free swag” from student organizations, attendees enjoyed performances from the dance team, free food, games and prizes.
Ben Cotter, a freshman in business management, said he had heard good things about campout from older students on campus.
“I liked seeing the basketball team play,” Cotter said. “I’m a big basketball fan, so that was fun.”
Cotter said he also enjoyed the six loyalty points he received for the night.
Correction (10/22/13): Technician incorrectly reported that the Campout was for Carolina tickets. Actually students received six loyalty points that count toward all basketball season tickets. The Campout will continue to exist at the PNC Arena for at least the next three years.
Technician incorrectly reported that the dance team preformed at Campout. It was the Dance Marathon Morale team.
Technician incorrectly reported that the Student Government and University Recreation were attendees to Campout. Instead, Student Government planned the event, and University Recreation organized the 3 on 3 Basketball tournament.
