Students do not have to take a magical carpet ride or rub a genie’s lamp to experience an Arabian night with their friends.
That magical night will be brought to them on Sept. 7, when Matador Nights returns to CSUN with a “1,001 Arabian Nights” theme.
Numerous activities have been planned for the late night event, which is heavily attended each semester, according to Shanell Tyus, USU events manager.
“Matador Nights is an annual event hosted by the USU to welcome new and returning students to the campus,” said Mary Parco, 23, psychology and child and adolescent development double major. “This event gives an opportunity for students to interact with fellow Matadors by playing games, listening to music, enjoying good food, dancing and so much more.”
The USU will be transformed into an Arabian wonderland where students can peruse a bustling bazaar, gather up wealth in the form of treasures and prizes or dine like a sultan with a grand feast.
“This semester’s installment will feature the Zumur Swing carnival ride and a Magic Carpet Slide, Power 106’s DJ E-Man on the Plaza Del Sol main stage, Persian calligraphy, fortune tellers, henna tattoo artists, and a Dubstep club,” said Tyus.
Dividing up the USU plaza into several areas that carry a running theme of their own such as the “Cave of Wonders” or the “Casbah,” students can get a taste of what Aladdin’s world may have been like. If students want a modern twist added in to their nightly events, they can visit Aladdin’s Arcade or the Dubstep club.
There will be additional ‘classics’ such as an oxygen bar, red carpet photos, casino tables, prizes and mocktails, non-alcoholic mixed drinks, provided by the Klotz Student Health Center, said Tyus.
After the 2011 altercation that caused the festivities to end early, the USU has put several changes and security measures in place to ensure that the upcoming event goes smoothly.
The security costs were factored into the allocated budget of the event, according to Tyus.
The changes that are similar to previous Matador Nights include: only CSUN students are allowed to attend the event, identification and bag checks and three security checkpoints for campus police.
A focal point of the event is to give students a place to have fun where alcohol is not the center of attention.
“Security is definitely important to me at a big event like this because safety for everyone is vital for their well-being. Additionally, security is key to ensure the safety of all students and that they are having fun at the same time,” said Parco.
Just like the Spring 2012 Matador Nights, the USU wants to create another fun and safe environment for students as they immerse themselves in the “Arabian Nights.”
