Breaking News: SGA Approves $660,000 Game Room Renovation

Maya Washburn / Asst. News Director

The game room in the Graham Center will undergo a $660,000 renovation, following an executive order signed by the Student Government Association on Wednesday, Sept. 15.

The project is sponsored by SGA reserve funds, which includes leftover funds from all previous fiscal years. Construction is expected to begin in November and finish by the end of 2021. The room will be closed during construction.

“We have a lot of work to do,” said Alexander Rubido, student body president. “The game room hasn’t seen a substantial renovation in years, [and] our student population has grown massively since that time. The current utilization [of the game room] isn’t where we’d want it to be.”

The new space will be a hybrid between a game room and lounge open to students and the public. Rubido said the space will also hold a new name which has not been decided yet.

“The hope is that renovating the game room and putting a substantial investment into it will bring it to a place where we can all partake in the student space,” said Rubido.

He explained the place will serve as a place for students to decompress.

“It’s going to be an area for the students to relax socially, while also having an area where they are separated from the rest of the university,” said Rubido.

SGA conducted a voluntary poll in the lounge for students to provide feedback on the renovation prior to the decision. It was met with mixed responses.

Diego Sarante, a freshman, plays with colleagues in the game room every day and volunteers at the reception desk when needed.

Sarante said he was unaware of the upcoming renovation and is curious to see what will be changed.

“To be honest…it’s very good for what it is right now,” said Sarante. “[But] I can picture making it better.”

The balcony space outside of the game room will also be updated, with seating areas and games.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

Update as of Oct. 5: Construction is now expected to begin in December. Official financial allocation information is pending.