Students filled HUB Alumni Hall despite the snowy weather last night for an event that evokes memories of childhood.
Penn State’s Student Programming Association put on a roller rink event yesterday that brought students out to the HUB-Robeson Center for a few hours of skating.
SPA said the event, originally scheduled to begin at 6 p.m., didn’t start until 7:30 due to the inclement weather.
Students began lining up outside the venue before 7 p.m. and soon a line winded down to the main doors.
Alumni Hall was transformed into a roller rink-type setting, pulling in many features often found at other skating venues.
The room was dark except for flashing disco-themed lights and a DJ was set up to the right of the skating area, blasting beats for all those who entered the hall to hear. Grey flooring was also put down to create a designated skating section.
Students were able to enter the event for free with a valid Penn State student ID+ and were provided with skates.
Event-goers were also given the options for glow sticks and popcorn upon entrance.
Many students who came out brought their own skates, including the State College Area Roller Derby team, more commonly known as SCAR.
Team member Caroline Hubbell said they came out to SPA’s skating rink to try to recruit students and give them some information about SCAR.
Hubbell (junior-art) said she was excited to come out and skate with other Penn Staters.
“I thought it was totally cool,” she said. “I [just] love everything about skating,” she added.
Some students came out to the event because the idea of roller-skating was something nostalgic that reminded them of their childhood.
Miranda Crater said she came out because she loves roller-skating and used to go frequently at home to a local rink.
Crater (junior-animal science) said she had even debated dressing in 90s fashion.
She also said she was glad she could come to an event that was nearby and free.
“I really like that they have something in the HUB because it’s [so] close,” she said.
Others came out because of a general interest in skating.
Greg Wade said he had a friend bring him to roller derby event when he was 18 and he became interested in the sport.
Wade (sophomore-psychology) said he was especially excited because he doesn’t know of many rinks in the area.
“I think it’s pretty awesome that [SPA] did this,” he said.
Music throughout the night ranged from newer tunes like David Guetta’s “Where Dem Girls At” to older selections like 50 Cent’s “Disco Inferno.”
Skaters were asked to trade off skates every 25 minutes to give all event-goers a chance on the floor.
