As of the middle of March, the Rec Center, located in the University Center next to the Down Under, has already accomplished its revenue goal for the semester in how much money was expected to be made.
This has brought a sigh of relief to those who invested in the new UC and has also brought anend to a lot of skepticism towards the UC's necessity.
"It's been pretty busy Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights," said Tom Pellizzi, University Center student services specialist. "We're getting about 200 people a night."
"There are only waiting lists on Friday and Saturday nights because people are realizing when the busy times are," Pellizzi said. "And when there are waiting lists, people move to the billiards tables to pass the time."
The Rec Center expects to double the business they hoped for this semester, and they're already a quarter of the way to hitting that expectation. The Rec Center has already exceeded its sales goal for the entire year.
All of this success is attributed to what the Rec Center brings to UW-Whitewater.
"The Rec Center brings an option for students to get involved in," Pellizzi said. "It's close, it's fun, and it's open all weekend."
On top of that, the Rec Center supports the men's and women's bowling teams by providing them with brand new $80,000 lanes.
"I come here to have fun, relax, and hang out with my friends," sophomore Cari Campbell said. "It's a great break from studying."
"The Rec Center is a place where students who don't drive can get to easily, and it's really convenient when all the cars get snowed in," Campbell said. "The prices are also really good for students."
Junior Monica Wilson said that the Rec Center "provides a more comfortable environment [at the university]," and that it's more attractive than the Hawk Bowl.
"I come here because it's better than other bowling alleys because there's no cigarette smell and it's easy to get to," sophomore Sara Metcalf said. "It's safer, more controlled, helps pay for the university, and it guarantees more student activity."
Junior Pamela Crisafulli said she bowls at the Rec Center three to four times a week.
"It's a great place to hang out and just study or eat lunch," Crisafulli said.
The response has been good from the community both in the university and the city of Whitewater.
"Students are realizing that their money was well spent," Pellizzi said. "It provides something to do on a Saturday night that doesn't involve going to a bar or drinking or smoking."
The Rec Center also sees business from the City of Whitewater regularly. Pellizzi said that the Rec Center is home to birthday parties and the like because it's smaller and more private.
Group reservations can be made as well. Bowling reservations cost $1.50 per game and billiards reservations cost $2.50 an hour. Reservations can be made by calling 262-472-1164.
The expectations are also high for next year as this year has been such a success.
"We hope to at least keep the same steady business and continue with league bowling," Pellizzi said. "This new Rec Center is open and visible to the student body and it's welcoming, which makes it easy for students to come in between class. The Rec Center was never in the open before and we hope to capitalize on that."
There's also something to look forward to next year at the Rec Center. There are plans in motion to hang a television next to the Rec Center and use pagers from the Down Under so students bowling or playing billiards will be alerted when their food is ready.
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