ABQ Times

The University of New Mexico (UNM) is set to host its annual Silent Lights event on Thursday, September 19, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Smith Plaza. This year's event will feature six DJs, three stages, and a silent disco experience for students and their guests.

Silent Lights, which began in 2016 as a collaboration between University Communication and Marketing (UCAM) and The Student Activities Center, aims to offer a unique twist on the traditional homecoming dance. "UCAM was looking for a cool way to roll out the new UNM brand so they reached out to The Student Activities Center to brainstorm some ideas," said Ryan Lindquist, Director of the Student Activity Center. "I had always wanted to do a silent disco on campus and this solved our amplified sound issue."

The event is free for all students who present their Lobo I.D. card, with each student allowed one guest. Free parking will be available in the Yale parking structure from 7 p.m. to midnight.

Andrew Norton, Executive Director of ASUNM Student Special Events, highlighted changes for this year's event: "This year's Silent Lights will be different from last year's due to the type of music being played, the free promotional items, and the number of people." Norton added that more headphones have been ordered in anticipation of larger crowds.

The theme for Silent Lights 2024 is '90s nostalgia. Students can expect interactive displays featuring old-style TVs installed by SOBOL Solutions and giveaways including holographic CD stickers, pit viper style sunglasses, glow sticks, and t-shirts for volunteers. Two food trucks—Bing Tea and Kona Ice—will also be present.

Silent Lights was adapted into a scavenger hunt called Quest for the Unexpected in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions but returned in its original form last year with an attendance of 2,800 people.

Homecoming week events sponsored by the UNM Office of Alumni Relations are open to staff, faculty, alumni, and community members. The week concludes with a football game between Lobos and Fresno State on Saturday, September 21 at University Stadium.

Silent Lights is supported by ASUNM Student Special Events, ASUNM Lobo Spirit, Student Activities Center, University Communication and Marketing (UCAM), the Student Union Building (SUB), and Parking & Transportation Services.