MYST opening exceeds expectations

By Sarah McDonough
Cardinal Staff

Bright lights, cage dancers and great danceable music- all of these were at MYST, the new Winona nightclub. MYST opened on Nov. 14 at 9 p.m. with approximately 1,000 students in attendance, according to Eric Lehnen, MYST Nightclub organizer and Winona State University student.
Read more...

At the moment, MYST is a trial to see what kind of interest it sparks in students and the community. The MYST Nightclub members are hoping for MYST to become a monthly occurrence. Expectations for attendance were roughly 600 to 700 students. Since turnout was almost double that, MYST Nightclub members are hoping the club can occur more often.

MYST is currently only allowing college students to attend. To prove student status, attendees must bring their student I.D. as well as a state I.D. or driver’s license. The club is alcohol-free. Since the setting is strictly aimed at college students, students felt it should be alcohol-free in part because of the underage drinking issues Winona area undergraduate college students are facing.

“I think it’s cool that there is another option for people to have if they do not want to drink but still want to go out and have a good time,” freshman Brigid McDonough said.

According to Lehnen, students started a club at WSU and they received a budget from their student senate. MYST Nightclub members also received money from businesses that supported their purpose of providing the college community with a safe place to go on the weekends, where students are not disturbing the town residents.

With the leftover donated money, club members were able to rent lights, build stages for the D.J. and paint for the big night.

“I thought (the club) was a good idea; it gives us something to do, and we can meet Winona State kids,” freshman Emily Gould said.