With lasers flashing and adrenaline pumping, players navigated the arena, dodging enemy fire and defending their teams. It wasn’t just a game; it was a high-energy, action-packed showdown where friendships were tested and alliances were forged.
Dodge, sprint and strategize. Utah Tech University students were thrown into a neon-lit, ’80s inspired battlefield at this week’s Wednesday activity, hosted by the Utah Tech Student Association.
This event hosted at the Student Activity Center, gave students the opportunity to play rounds of laser tag against other students for free.
Asher Anderson, a senior marketing major from Mesa, Arizona, was in charge of this event. Anderson said, “We got a company to come out and do really fun laser tag, and we decided to make the whole area look like a laser tag arena.”
Overall, Anderson wanted this event to feel like you stepped into your hometown laser tag arena. This event setup was not for the faint of heart. The SAC building students all know was completely transformed into a dark laser tag room with only neon wall lights and reflective paper providing light. The disco and pop music provided the warm, arcade rink atmosphere. UTSA members wore neon pink jackets to instruct students where to go, adding to the ’80s ambiance.
Joriez Mandac, a junior marketing major from Kansas, said: “I’ve never played laser tag before, and I’m just excited to see how it [the event] will turn out.”
Teams were divided into 15 players and played in approximately six-minute rounds.
From the moment students stepped into the arena, they were immersed in glowing obstacles, pulsing music and the thrill of the chase. Whether playing solo or strategizing with friends, every participant had a chance to showcase their laser tag abilities. Some students took a stealthy approach, sneaking behind barriers for the perfect ambush, while others charged in, blasters ready, determined to dominate the game.
Some students came up with a strategy to win laser tag. Lindy Murray, a sophomore population health major from Springville, said, “[I] try to take down everyone else who is not on my team… or hide until I see someone coming and then literally beat them to the ground.”
Students came out of the SAC laughing and wanting to play more. The contagious laughter paired with the modern pop hit music played resulted in an overall good time for students participating. Songs like “Good Luck, Babe” by Chappell Roan and “Too Sweet” by Hozier brought ambiance to the SAC.
Camryn Jackson, a sophomore population health major from Kaysville, said, “It was not what I expected, but it was so fun.”
Overall, Blazer Tag was a thrilling activity for all students that needs to make a comeback in the future. This fun event brought students together for an unforgettable night of friendly banter and competition.
With the electric atmosphere and creative setup, this event proved to be a new campus favorite, leaving many students hoping for a possible rematch in the future.