Caroline Knutson

In a city like Brookings, population 18,500, with over 10,000 of those being SDSU students, many businesses focus on catering to the needs and wants of the college community. That is Garner Hanson’s goal with the opening of his new dance club, The Lodo.

Located at 408 Main Avenue, The Lodo has proven it can hold its own against the countless other weekend activities for students.

Hanson’s original idea was to provide a diverse atmosphere downtown for the non-bar-going crowd. According to many students, he has succeeded.

“It’s a great place to meet people and have a good time,” says Dani Sonnicksen, a freshman from Winnebago, Minn.

The 18-and-over club offers a wide variety of activities including pool, foosball, darts and dancing. They also operate a concession-style snack bar including non-alcoholic beverages.

Live bands can be heard taking the stage Wednesday nights, while a DJ plays music Thursday through Saturday.

The Lodo has become increasingly popular for its weekly special events. Fridays, The Lodo hosts its own pool tournament open to the public and hosts ladies night with reduced admission for all women.

Every three weeks, the foam dance becomes the main attraction, along with a new favorite, Jell-O wrestling.

During football season, after each home game, SDSU students can receive reduced admission with their student ID.

Eric Covrig, current manager of The Lodo, believes strongly in the club’s growing popularity.

“We wanted to have a dance atmosphere with something for everyone”, Covrig said. “We wanted to give students a place where you can just go and hang out.”

The Lodo is open every Thursday through Saturday from 8:30 pm to 2:00 am.

#1.886733:397247201.jpg:Lodo.jpg:Whether dancing to live bands or DJs, students enjoy dancing at the new over 18 dance club downtown Brookings.: