In place of what would have been the 28th Annual All-Niter, UTM is sponsoring a series of “Up All Nite Editions” this semester in addition to midnight basketball.

The All-Niter was one night a year when students would go and enjoy fair rides, contests, prize drawings and other games. The change to multiple “Up All Nite” events was made because of “lack of participation and to better utilize funds,” said Gina McClure, director of Campus Recreation. “If the ‘Up All Nite Editions’ do well, then the annual All Niter may return in a year or two.”

About 175 students attended the first “Up All Nite Edition,” held Jan. 28 at the Elam Center. Eric Simmons, intramural coordinator, said the laser tag, hunting simulator and basketball shootout contest, which ran over its allotted time, were the most popular among students. The winner for the women’s shootout was Ashley Armstrong, a junior Health and Human Performance major from Memphis, and senior Communications major David Jordan Jr. of Millington won the men’s shootout.

“It felt good to win; it was a testament to my hard work,” Jordan said. “It’s good they had that for us; it gave everyone a chance to get out and socialize and have fun.” Both students received basketballs as prizes.

“I had fun playing laser tag the first time so I probably will attend the next one to see what will be there,” said Denetrica Phames, a senior Criminal Justice major from Memphis.

The next “Up All Nite Edition” is set for Friday, Feb. 18.