Late-night hang-out to open in Foster Gresham on Friday

As a tour guide, the most frequently asked questions sophomore Shannon Eckerle receives are, "What is there to do on campus? What are the social activities?"\n"I never know what to say," Eckerle said. But now, she said she can respond that Foster Quad is opening a new place at 8:30 p.m., Friday near the Gresham Food Court.\nWhat was once an empty space opposite the food court has been transformed into a "social space" -- a place where any student on campus, no matter the residence hall, can go to meet new people, hang out, play pool and dine.\n"It's not just a 'Foster' space, it's for all residence halls," said junior Meg Palm, Residence Halls Association vice president of programming. "It just happens to be in Foster because the space wasn't being used," said Palm, who is also the facility director of the new social space. \nAfter gutting the vacant room, new furniture, a stage, all new sound equipment, three big screen TVs, and nine arcade games were installed. In addition, pingpong, foosball and dining tables were put in the space.\nEckerle said that she doesn't know how popular the space will be, but she thinks it is interesting and is another option for socializing.\n"I wouldn't use it frequently," she said. "I would go down with people I knew and use it as another lounge."\nSome students are not sure if they'll use the space because of the location in the Northwest neighborhood.\n"I would maybe go, but it is so far across campus, I would be more likely to go if it was around here," said freshman Kelsey Blotzer, who lives in Forest in the Southeast neighborhood. "It's a really good idea, it is better than nothing, I couldn't think of something better to put there."\nBlotzer said she would like it if the empty spaces in Forest were rennovated, but said she likes the idea of the space to keep people away from bars, since it is open late at night.\n"Not a lot of places are open late on campus," she said. "It's good because I get bored over here."\nFreshman Ernesto Aranda, who also lives in Forest, said he probably wouldn't go to the social space in the winter, but said when the weather is warmer, he would consider going there. \n"It's nice to take a break from homework, go and meet new people and have a good time," he said. "I don't see any downsides to the social space."\nSuper Bowl Sunday marked the first time the space opened to students, who were invited to watch the game on a big screen projector that was installed.\nCurrently, the space is called "Foster Gresham Social Space," but Palm said Friday night there will be a vote to name that space, with "Hoosier Den" being among the contending names.\nOn Friday, IU alumnus Kevin Burke will perform with Comedy Caravan. From 10:30 p.m. onward, dancing and karaoke will take place. On Saturday, a post-Pro Bowl Luau will be the event of the evening, with a summery theme and kiddie cocktails.\nAfter the grand opening, the space will be available to all students to use during the weekdays from 9 or 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. and on weekends until 3 a.m.\n"For regular use, students are always welcome to come in," Palm said. "Students can come in, hang out, watch TV and make suggestions for the future of the space."\nStudents who are interested in being employed at Foster Gresham Social Space can contact Palm at mgpalm@indiana.edu. \nExecutive Director of Residential Programs and Services Pat Connor said the discussion for the use of this space has been in the works for around two years.\nConnor said he feels it is important to create a space in the residence hall system where students can come and hang out to meet other people, to go and have entertainment, comedy and local bands.\n"Four years ago, we were involved in working with one of the business case studies classes, and some of the cases said to keep more students on campus, there needs to be better social outlets within the residence halls," Connor said. \nOpening the social space now will allow RPS to work out the "kinks" and get experience with operating the space, Connor said. \n"Already now, students are in their routine, so our goal this year is to start this and create interest and gain experience operating so if we've got problems we have them all ironed out by next fall," he said. "That way, we can promote it and have the facility really be one of the big things students can get involved with, as it is really open to all students on campus"