Laser Tag is coming to the Genovesi Center at the end of this semester! For a limited time only, SFC students will be able to take out their finals frustrations with some unconventional college laser tag.
The SGA has decided to purchase a laser tag system so that students could use it during their activity period, but, only for twenty minutes for two teams in head-to-head competitions. This event was brought to the student body's attention by an email sent by the Student Activities Committee that gave little details about the event.
“It’s going to make me feel like I’m at FunTime USA again,” says senior Chris LaSalle. Now SFC students can relive the 'fun times' -- no pun intended -- they had playing laser tag as a kid.
Do not expect this to become a routine sport for St. Francis College. SFC is using it just once this semester during activity hour for only two hours right before finals. That means only sixty students will be allowed to use it. Many students are worried that they won't be able to experience laser tag at St. Francis College.
Laser tag uses vests and guns with infrared sensors and lights where teams or individuals attempt to 'taze' targets or people with vests. During the late 1970s and early 1980s, the United States Army deployed a system using infrared beams for combat training. Similar systems are now manufactured by several companies and used by various armed forces around the world.
The first known toy to use infrared light and a corresponding sensor was manufactured and marketed in 1979 as the Star Trek Electronic Phaser Guns set. Commercially, Hasbro and Nerf manufacture “Lazer Tag” to young kids and teens. The set of two guns and vests cost fifty dollars which may not necessarily be the set that SFC will be providing. The most expensive systems can go for up to five thousand dollars including all the bells and whistles.
FunTime USA was one of the last laser tag arenas to close in Brooklyn, with Lazer Park in Times Square soon to follow and close out the few remaining laser tag arenas in the tri-state area.
For the last few weeks of school at least, SFC will keep the laser tag dream alive for all students to enjoy.