When approximately two thirds of the CU population is under 21, it’s little wonder why the Walrus decided to implement Boulder’s only 18-and-up night.
The Walrus recently began opening its doors to those 18 and up on Tuesday nights to provide a safe and fun environment for all CU students.
“We wanted to have a sincere college night and make it a real college bar for one night a week instead of just for the small percentage that is over age,” Walrus Manager Petey Helm said.
Helm said the Walrus had the opportunity to make room for a new themed day of the week and felt that 18 and up was something Boulder needed.
From a business standpoint, “100 percent of the nightlife in Boulder is geared towards 33 percent of the CU population [over 21],” Helm said.
When figuring out the details of the new night, the Walrus worked with the Boulder Police Department and with other bars in Denver that already allow 18 and up. Helm said they worked to gather information and advice to decide what was the most successful way to host an 18 and up night.
As a result, the Walrus has increased staff and Helm said they are taking necessary measures to ensure everyone’s safety while having an enjoyable time.
Many students have reacted positively to the new change, including 21-year-old senior MCD biology major, Mike Schild, who said he was at first unsure of the 18 and up night.
“At first I was skeptical about the new 18 and up night because I thought it would change the Walrus experience that I had to wait for,” Schild said. “But now it think it’s a good night to have because more of my friends can tag along.”
Helm said The Walrus has seen an increase in attendance on Tuesday nights since karaoke left the scene mid August. Recently, there has been an even distribution of bar goers who are under 21 and those who are 21 or older.
Underage students, like 20-year-old junior sociology major Jamie Nathan, said they enjoy the new opportunity.
“I think the new night is great, I can finally go with my friends when they go out,” Nathan said.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Alyssia Payan at Alyssia.payan@colorado.edu.
