“People think that if you don’t have a main theme, it won’t work,” Sutton said. “I’ve taken the idea that just because I’m a black owner, I don’t want to be considered a black nightclub.”

The club is open to everyone 18 and up Thursday and Friday, and Saturday is 21 and up, unless the student presents a college ID, Sutton said.

Sunday through Wednesday is reserved for groups and parties, which has included events for fraternities and sororities and an after-party next week for the University of Michigan versus MSU basketball game.

Last week, Secrets Night Club served three ethnic groups on three separate nights, Sutton said.
“Because of Michigan State’s campus (and) because of the closeness of it, I would like to serve all ethnic groups and not be known as one type of ethnic club,” Sutton said.

When human biology junior Devon Velding went to the club in the fall of 2011, she went on a night with all international students.

“It was really diverse when I was there,” she said. “It was kind of cool. They had platforms and it was … different than the usual bar scene.”

The club is 18 and up, but alcohol still is served to those of age. Sutton said this is a draw for student groups and greek life to have events there because bars in East Lansing are not allowed to serve alcohol if anyone in the room is under 21.

But, history junior Chris Andresen said serving alcohol when there are minors present could cause problems.

“A lot of high school kids will go there and try to get their older friends to buy them booze,” he said.

Velding said when she went to the club, she saw minors trying to get older friends to buy alcohol for them.

Sutton said those 21 or older wear a wristband, avoiding minors washing off the “X’s” on their hands.

Ryan Woods, part owner and manager of Secrets Night Club, said there are not many changes being made to the club’s events or layout.

Sutton said he has not hosted a foam party at the club lately because it ruined his floors, but he is working on developing a way to bring back the event.

Velding said she remembers the club being far from campus and paying for a cab, which is why she has not returned to the club since.

Students can ride the Capital Area Transportation Authority, or CATA, Entertainment Express trolley to the club Thursday through Saturday, which has stops near campus and the club.

Accounting freshman Maura Dunleavy said she has heard of Secrets Night Club, and she would consider going there with friends, especially if she can take the trolley.

“It’s a good idea … trying to get a lot of college students there,” Dunleavy said.

Andresen said he has heard of the club, but never been there. He said he likes the idea of Secrets Night Club catering to different ethnic groups.

“It’s probably a good idea if they’re trying to branch out, because there isn’t really a club in East Lansing, at least, for that kind of demographic,” Andresen said.