The first of seven “Late Night BU” events at the Markin Center on the Bradley University campus will be a Halloween-themed event on October 31 from 10:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. A collaboration between the Wellness Center and Student Activities, Late Night BU is an initiative aimed at providing students  late-night, alcohol-free entertainment under the Alcohol Action Plan instituted last spring.  

“For years we’ve been hearing freshman say they have nothing to do on weekends,” said Lyndsey Withers, interim coordinator of alcohol education and awareness programs. “The only thing they say they have to do is go drink; they say their options are to stay in, or go out and drink. This is another big option for them so they can still feel a part of the student body.” 

The inaugural event will include psychic readings, sports inflatables (like a Velcro wall), a video game tournament, and a showing of Rocky Horror Picture Show. The theater department will also be involved. “We’ll be showing the movie,” Withers said, “but theater will be doing a lot of interactive, costume-type things.” Intramurals and the pool will be available at all Late Night BU events.  

A live band will perform on November 22 at the Center and a stress-relief themed event is being considered for December. 

The Activities Council of Bradley University (ACBU) also has moved many of its events to a later time slot to provide late night entertainment options for students.  

To ease concerns of residents near the Markin Center about a 2:00 a.m. closing time, Withers said about 100 volunteers will be stationed at the doors and on campus to remind students to be quiet and well behaved.