Over 3,000 students filled Alumni Arena for rock climbing, dodgeball, video game tournaments, and free food and music on Friday night for UB's annual Funfest.
The event, sponsored by various campus-wide organizations, aimed to provide students with alternatives to the stereotypical college Friday night of drinking and debauchery, according to event organizers.
Running from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m., Funfest kept participants busy with activities ranging from sporting events, to dance and poker tournaments, complete with free food for all.
Pranay Bhatla, Funfest committee member and assistant hall director of Fargo Quad, said the purpose of the event was to bring together and include all students.
"All you need is to be a UB student and have a good attitude," Bhatla said. "The event cost students nothing, and was open to all UB students."
Along with the mass of students coming on their own, RAs from the dorms also brought residents from their halls to compete in team activities.
Lindsey Straub, a sophomore psychology major, said she hadn't been aware of the event until her RA told her.
"I am here because my RA told me about this," Straub said.
Event organizers said their goal was to keep students busy throughout the night, so students didn't come just for a short while and then go out partying later.
"By making this event all night, we hope to make this a truly alcohol and drug-free event," Bhatla said.
Promises of prizes and events kept participants busy throughout Funfest.
"I am here for Hold 'Em (poker), and to potentially win some free stuff," said Jordan Gleason, a sophomore psychology major.
Other students said they were there simply for the thrill of competition.
"I came to Funfest to play dodgeball," said Eric Crumwell, an industrial engineering major. "I am here to show everyone my unparalleled dodging skills."
In addition to giving students an alternative to partying, Funfest was also meant to inform students about pertinent issues, officials said. The American Cancer Society was there to provide information to increase cancer awareness, along with the wellness center to educate students about health concerns.
When asked, however, many students said they did not know the purpose of the event, adding they just thought Funfest was something interesting to go to.
"I am not sure what the point of Funfest is," Crumwell said.
Despite that many students were unaware of the intent of Funfest, it seemed organizers were able to achieve their goals.
"I don't know when I am leaving, but I am not going out after," Gleason said.
