Students played two kinds of games after signing up and filling out forms. One involved knocking everyone down to be the last bubble standing, while the other was a team effort to win.

“I didn’t realize we’d be actually allowed to run into each other like that,” Communicative Sciences & Disorders freshman Emma Erlenbeck said. “I thought it would be like go-karts where it’s like ‘don’t pass each other, don’t bump into each other,’ but everyone does it anyways, but that was literally the game. It was really fun.” 

UAB special events coordinator Olivia Andre put on the event to bring students together outdoors.

“I did this because I wanted to do a fun outdoor event in the beginning of the semester where the weather is nice and get people back together after we didn’t have the opportunity last year,” Andre said.

She said she appreciated events like this when she was new on campus.

“It made my Michigan State experience so much better,” Andre said. “I think that this program of providing events for students is so important and it provides opportunities to make friends and have fun with new people you meet on campus.” 

Owner of Knockerball Michigan Jason Carpenter said he enjoys hosting events like this. He sanitizes the bubbles between each use to keep the students safe.

“You’re in a big protective bubble, it’s a good way to live your life right now,” Carpenter said. 

He says he likes seeing the effect his business can make on people’s lives.

“I think it’s awesome to see all of these people outside and being safe, but also human interaction is much needed at this point,” Carpenter said.