Good Times and Bright Lights at Matador Nights

  • DJ DŸLN performs for hundreds of students during Matador Nights on Sept. 13 at the University Student Union.

    DJ DŸLN performs for hundreds of students during Matador Nights on Sept. 13 at the University Student Union. Photo by David J. Hawkins.

  • A trio of students race to the finish on slides at the University Student Union during Matador Nights on Sept. 13.

    A trio of students race to the finish on slides at the University Student Union during Matador Nights on Sept. 13. Photo by David J. Hawkins.

  • Three students snap a fun photo at the ball pit during Matador Nights on Sept. 13 at the University Student Union.

    Three students snap a fun photo at the ball pit during Matador Nights on Sept. 13 at the University Student Union. Photo by David J. Hawkins.

  • A student picks out a delicious treat at the glowing donut wall during Matador Nights on Sept. 13 at the University Student Union.

    A student picks out a delicious treat at the glowing donut wall during Matador Nights on Sept. 13 at the University Student Union. Photo by David J. Hawkins.

  • DJ DŸLN dances onstage with Matty the Matador during Matador Nights on Sept. 13 at the University Student Union.

    DJ DŸLN dances onstage with Matty the Matador during Matador Nights on Sept. 13 at the University Student Union. Photo by David J. Hawkins.

  • Students pose for a silly group photo at the photo booth during Matador Nights on Sept. 13 at the University Student Union.

    Students pose for a silly group photo at the photo booth during Matador Nights on Sept. 13 at the University Student Union. Photo by David J. Hawkins.

As the semester starts to pick up steam, CSUN students took a break from their academic responsibilities to attend Matador Nights, an annual celebration organized by the University Student Union (USU). At the event, dubbed “CSUN’s best party,” students savored delicious food, snapped photos on carnival rides and danced to music spun by DJs late into the night.

Jada Dave, a sophomore criminology major, said she came out to Matador Nights with her friend, Chris Saldana, a junior in cinema and television arts, to “take a break from all of the work” of the semester.

The aim of Matador Nights, USU staff said, is to provide a safe and memorable environment where students can congregate and enjoy themselves.

Students saw a whole new side of the USU as spaces such as the Northridge Center, Grand Salon and Plaza Del Sol were transformed into entertainment venues. The Plaza del Sol became a packed dance floor, with EDM remixes and hip-hop favorites from DJ Mal-Ski and DJ DŸLN.

In the Northridge Center, students flocked to the donut wall, plucking the sweet treats down all night, and they took advantage of interactive activities such as airbrush tattoos, inflatable slides and giant games of Twister and foosball.

Students line up excitedly for carnival rides at the University Student Union during Matador Nights on Sept. 13.

Photo by David J. Hawkins.

Outside, students slid away from their responsibilities on the California Wave Slide and squealed on the Round Up classic carnival ride. Hundreds took time out for photo-ops at ‘Instagrammable’ stations.

The Grand Salon offered a quieter and more relaxing space for those who needed a break from the bright lights and thumping music. A lounge space, virtual reality booth and a caricature drawing station were popular stops.

To satisfy the hungry masses, Matador Nights included a sliders bar (including meat and vegetarian slider burger options), popcorn, popsicles and ice cream bars.

Even Matty the Matador attended the giant party, sliding down the inflatables, showing off his moves on the dance floor and interacting with students all night.

“I love working for this event because it’s for the students,” said event organizer and USU Public Relations Assistant Lilibeth Orozco. James Matzen, a graphic designer for the USU, agreed.

“It’s just a really cool way to give back to the students,” Matzen said.

USU staff are already hard at work planning the next Matador Nights for fall 2020. Looking for more fun events and ways to unwind on campus? Visit the USU events page.

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