Not even a chilly, rainy night could keep the eager masses from attending the eighth annual Late Night Madness at Purdue University Northwest (PNW). The free event was held in the Fitness & Recreation Center at PNW’s Hammond campus, and kicked off the start of basketball season for the men’s and women’s teams, led by Head Coaches Boomer Roberts and Courtney Locke, respectively.
To many returning spectators, this event was all the more special because of last year’s cancelation of the Late Night Madness to adhere to the restrictions in place for COVID-19. The crowd loved the familiar experience of waiting in a line almost out the door to pack the bleachers for a night of games and chances to win big prizes, such as an Apple Watch, an electric scooter, a plasma screen TV, and, of course, free food.
Free food and beverages were provided by PNW Pride Corporate Champions Chick-fil-A, Domino’s, and Pepsi. The Chick-fil-A cow was spotted throughout the night, taking pictures with the crowd, and hanging out with PNW’s very own mascot Leo the Lion.
ESPN’s Brooke Weisbrod returned as emcee for the night, which was something she had been looking forward to.
“This is kind of like a huge pep rally and the students finally get to be back in the building. We’re celebrating not only the men’s and women’s [basketball] teams, but the cheer and dance teams because they’re obviously a big part of this as well,” Weisbrod said.
Both basketball teams featured an impressive number of supporters, some of whom participated in a dunk contest and three-point shootout alongside members of both teams. The PNW cheer and dance teams made a triumphant return to center stage, with fun hip hop routines and skillful acrobatics.
A costume contest featured a Bob Ross impersonator, fuzzy animal friends, and superheroes. The crowd favorite of the night seemed to be an underclassman dressed up as Waldo of “Where’s Waldo” fame.
Many attendees felt the emotions of the night were stronger this year than the previously held Late Night Madness. Lyndell Strickland, a senior majoring in computer science, loved the sense of camaraderie during the event.
“All of the energy of the students and how we come together to have a good time and support our teams is awesome,” said Strickland.
During a segment where the students were encouraged to make some noise based on their year in school, the younger students held their own against the upperclassmen.
Sophomore education major Kenzie Dinga appreciated the atmosphere of the event.
“Everyone being together and having fun, [cheering] on PNW’s awesome athletes and students, there’s nothing better,” Dinga said.
PNW alumnus Hector Cabrera, who recently joined the university’s staff as an admissions recruiter, was impressed with the amount of school spirit he felt come through during the night’s events.
“This year was really fun. A lot of people showed off that Purdue Northwest pride,” Cabrera said.
Cabrera encourages more students to get involved with future events and “live a little.”
“Don’t be embarrassed, get out there! Get into that spotlight,” said Cabrera.
To learn more about Purdue University Northwest, please visit www.pnw.edu