The Student Union was active with energy as more than 70 students came for the Packers versus Commanders NFL watch party.
The event took place on Thursday, Sept. 11, in the afternoon. While the game was playing on the projector, the event quickly transformed into something more than just football. It became a lively social hangout where students could eat, play games, connect, and even meet new people.
The event was organized by student leader Saif Masoom, who planned the event under the guidance of his supervisor, Lindsay Litowitz. Players from the LMC football team showed up straight from practice, joining in to support the event and be a part of the watch party. “The only major issue was finding an NFL game to align with school hours and schedule for the students,” Masoom explained. “The biggest success was people turning up. The hardest part isn’t really setting it up or marketing or whatever. It’s making people show up.”
People definitely showed up, alright. The Student Union’s conference room was nearly half full at the peak of the event. Students checked in at the front before entering a brand new space filled with food, games, and opportunities to get involved on campus. Free Costco pizza and hot dogs were given after the first quarter, and tables were stocked with chips and snacks lined up against the walls. One table even offered some community resources, including free immigration legal services support. At the same time, another showcased some student clubs and how to join them and get involved, even showing how to make your own.
But food and football weren’t the only draws. Multiple game tables gave the students different ways to engage with the event. Chess, dominoes, Jenga, and even a PlayStation 5 were set up on another projector, where students could play Madden, just overall adding to the whole NFL watch party.
For Masoom, the event’s success was about more than the statistics and numbers. “Everyone is engaged and talking, and our main goal is to bring everyone together and have a good time,” he said. “There were other mixers before, but not as lively as this one.”
Students showed that feeling. Colby Thomas, who was in attendance at the event, said, “It’s a nice place to relax and chill, watching the game is cool. Some people have stuff going on in their lives, sometimes struggling with classes, so this is a nice relief.”
Another student, Kevin Tran, said, “It’s a welcoming atmosphere.”
With the game, the food, and the community spirit, the watch party ended up being way more than just another Thursday night football session. It was a way to see that the best events on campus are about getting involved and are more about making connections.
