Phlagleblast embraces Union construction with future focus

Will Moon|September 7, 2017

Will Moon

The 18th annual Phlagleblast was ornamented in construction-themed decor in the University Union on Wednesday.

Thousands of Sacramento State students made their way through surrounding construction and filled the University Union Wednesday for the 18th annual Phlagleblast open house celebration.

Twenty seven tables in total were set up around the building representing numerous student services and campus organizations. After learning about an organization, students received a stamp to win free giveaways ranging from college essentials like pencil bags, highlighters and command strips to various construction-themed trinkets like a screw-shaped pen and a light-up hard hat keychain.

“I have a big collection of pens now, which is always really handy,” said art studio graduate student Mustafa Shaheen.

One of the most popular giveaway items of the day was a wooden block stacking game set distributed at the Terminal Lounge window.

The Union was filled with construction-themed decorations, including safety cones, caution tape, to bolts, excavators, traffic jams and demolition sites made of paper and cardboard. Staff members wearing hard hats and reflective jackets were present to direct lines and traffic flow with megaphones.

Some larger decor also included a wooden Porta-A-Potty, which students were invited to take photos with and write messages on and a bulldozer made of cardboard that sat on top of the EcoGrounds stand.

Though the event was largely construction-themed, it also focused on the future of the Union. Maps of the finished floor plans and a 3D virtual reality activity were set up in the ballroom. Participating students can strap on a set of VR goggles and “walk” through the finished building to see new additions like a new outdoor facade and expanded study areas.

Junior psychology major Maria Miranda said the VR station was one of her favorite parts of the celebration. Using a remote control, Miranda and other participants controlled a red silhouette of a person to move in any direction through the building and — through the magic of VR — take a look around.

“It’s exciting to see what our Union will turn out to be,” Miranda said.

Because nearly half of the building was closed for the expansion, some stations were set up in the University Ballroom. Groups that originally operated in the Union like the KSSU radio station and Associated Students, Inc. were there to inform students of its services and temporary locations until the construction would be completed by Aug. 2018.

A line stretched around the ballroom and through the lobby towards Round Table Pizza with students waiting to get their free limited edition Phlagleblast T-shirt.

“I remember in the past years it would get really crowded in the Union and that would really suck if you’re just there doing other things not related to Phlagleblast,” said junior government major Lucia Morales. “So, I think it’s kind of cool that they managed to take the traffic somewhere else.”

Senior undeclared student Charlie Thao said he thought the Union handled the event well considering how many rooms were closed during construction, but wished the lines could have moved more smoothly.

“I think it could be better than this because this takes a little bit too long,” Thao said. “It’s too much of a long line.”

The celebration also featured face painting and henna tattoo stations, three live bands and samples of pepperoni pizza from Round Table, orange chicken from Panda Express and milkshakes from Burger King.