Midnight Madness draws hundreds of freshmen

Freshmen filled Wal-Mart on Friday night as shuttle buses deposited load after load of IU’s newest students for a night of games, sales and a lot of free AMP energy drinks. For years, Midnight Madness has been a staple of Orientation Programs’ Welcome Week activities.

“We wanted to see what all the madness was about,” said freshman Courtnie Clemens.

Store employee Jacob Hunter said he and his co-workers were excited for the event.
“We get to interact more with the students,” he said. “One of the students said he loved me.”

The store went all out for its visitors this year, providing a two-story slide, bounce house, Frisbee golf, cornhole and an inflatable obstacle course, in addition to the electronic games Madden ’09, Dance Dance Revolution, Guitar Hero and Rock Band.

“They’re doing so many door prizes, it’s ridiculous,” said Melanie Payne, associate director of Orientation Programs and director of Welcome Week. Those prizes included a 19 inch TV and a Playstation 3.

“When the first buses come, you just feel this whole energy level at the store,” she said.

The women’s basketball team, IU Credit Union and the Tae Kwon Do Club participated as well.

As his fellow martial artists demonstrated strike and kick routines against a backdrop of Hannah Montana, High School Musical and Strawberry Shortcake apparel in the girls section, senior black belt Matthew Smith said he didn’t plan to shop or play.

“I already have everything I need. This is for the freshmen,” he said, as one of his club mates prepared to crack a wooden board in half. “I’m actually a classical guitar major. ... I’m kind of banned from breaking boards with my hands.”

Meanwhile, a life-sized Energizer Bunny meandered up and down the aisles, beating his drum and posing for photos with students.

Dean of Students Dick McKaig also offered his services near the frozen foods section, taking more than one “Pie in the Eye” for Riley Children’s Hospital.

Local bands Before We Leave, People’s Temple and Last One Fall performed for about an hour and a half each, keeping the music going throughout the event.

One advantage to the event is that no preparation is necessary.

“I just found out about this five minutes ago,” freshman Sam Siegert said as she waited outside Forest for the shuttle with her roommate, fellow freshman Amanda Holt.

Holt’s immediate impression once inside the store effectively summed up the night.

“It’s mayhem,” she said.