Feature photo by Logan Bowman
Story by Logan Bowman
A timeless date night activity returned to MTSU Tuesday night as Blue Raiders laced up their skates to twirl under neon-purple lights.
MTSU’s Campus Recreation Center hosted the 2024 Skate Night Showdown for the Student Government Association’s homecoming week. Skate Night Showdown is a returning favorite in the week’s event-packed lineup.
Organizers encouraged students to attend the free event regardless of their skating experience. Some experienced skaters brought their own wheels, but the SGA provided loaner skates so anyone could participate.
“I’m always looking for something to do,” freshman Zachary Hardy said. “I show my school spirit by just showing up.”
Skate Night Showdown was just one of many events Anna Jacobellis, SGA executive board member and homecoming coordinator, organized for this week. Student volunteers were on the scene to help the event run smoothly.
The SGA decorated the roller rink — normally a gym floor — with Western-themed props. A horseshoe-patterned backdrop and old-fashioned lights set the scene, while a student DJ kept the skaters moving with an upbeat pop and funk music mix. Many students skated together hand-in-hand, middle school style, as a light show sparkled on the glowing rink.
Organizers invited skaters to wear Western attire to coincide with this year’s homecoming theme.
“Well, I did dress up in the Western theme,” junior Abigail Linville said. “I’m trying to be more involved this year … I haven’t been very involved my first two years here, so I’m trying to branch out a little bit.”
Students saw Tuesday night’s event as a way to show their True Blue school spirit, regardless of their skating prowess.
“I’m not that good at it, but I just wanted something to do tonight,” sophomore Maverick Houston said. “It’s been a long week … so it’s nice to celebrate with other students.”
This year’s Skate Night Showdown has rolled on, but the perennial favorite will likely return next year.
Logan Bowman is a contributing writer for MTSU Sidelines.
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