Laser tag in Union draws 200

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Kristina Aiad-Toss

UA student Rachel Graham takes part in a laser tag tournament.

By Eric Trimble, Writer

Pizza, snow cones, laser tag, and more than 200 students filled the Student Union Ballrooms last Friday, going head-to-head in laser tag in hopes of posting the highest score and winning some prizes.

Hosted by the Zips Programming Network, a 50 foot by 70 foot inflatable laser tag arena was set up and provided by TjohnE Productions.

According to its website, the TRONsystem CUBE XL – which was used for this event – is one of the most sophisticated 12-person computerized laser game productions anywhere in the U.S. It also only uses professional grade “Lasertron” equipment out of Buffalo, New York.

Two teams of six competed at a time, playing for bragging rights and the night’s high score. While waiting to dismantle their opponents, teams could enjoy food and board games.

Prizes included six Chipotle $25 gift cards for the first place team. Second place teams received six $20 gift cards to Panera Bread, and the third place team received six $15 gift cards to Subway.

“I can’t wait for them to bring this event back,” said Victoria Plotner, a senior psychology major and self-proclaimed champion of laser tag. “I have never played in such a high-tech laser tag arena,” she said.

ZPN had to start turning people away from laser tag a few hours into the event as they had reached capacity; however, pizza and games were still available to everyone. After such a successful night, students might be able to look forward to a similar event in the future.