Multicolored tiles placed over the wooden floor in the ballroom of Talley Student Union served as a small skating rink where hundreds of students flocked to roller skate, play cornhole and giant Jenga and enjoy refreshments on Jan. 11.
Aarick Lilly, a third-year studying biology and chair of University Activity Board’s Late Night Committee, said UAB expected 100 people to show up, but the event quickly exceeded its capacity of 300 to 400 people. The line to get in stretched out the door and down the third floor of Talley well before opening.
“We weren’t expecting this many people, but I think being the first week of class and people being back on campus may have had some effect on it,” Lilly said.
Amanda Harb, a third-year studying business administration, said the crowds didn’t take away from the atmosphere.
“It was very crowded, and it made a lot of people fall and fluster up, but it was so fun.” Harb said.
Lilly said the idea for the roller rink came from his team’s initiative to create late-night, student-oriented events.
“We want to make [students’] experience at NC State unique, so a big part of that is making events that are really memorable and become part of the culture of NC State,” Lilly said.
Taylor Yang, a second-year studying computer science, was unable to enter due to the event reaching max capacity and decided to put on their own roller skates they had brought and skate around the third floor of Tally Student Union during the event.
“I was just excited to be here,” Yang said. “But even though I couldn’t make it [inside], I know there’s other ways that I can get involved with like roller skating, … and it was just really nice within the University to be sort of offered these opportunities.”
Students who made it to the roller rink said the event was well worth it, despite a long wait.
“It took probably about an hour for us to get in, but it was really fun,” said Kate Myers, a second-year studying business.
Lilly said the Roller State’s overwhelming popularity makes it more likely to be a returning event in the future.
“I would say [the roller rink] is pretty successful now, so there is a high chance of it getting repeated in future semesters,” said Lilly.
Lilly said he hopes events such as Roller State contribute to creating a positive student experience.
“We want the student body to connect with each other, create lasting memories,” Lilly said. “The main goal is just making … events they wouldn’t get anywhere else.”
Students interested in other University’s Activity Board events can locate them on the University calendar and on UAB’s Instagram.
