In the Rhatigan Student Center’s basement, the Shocker Sports Grill and Lanes opened a couple of weeks ago after a long year of renovations, and since then, its popularity has only grown.

The newly revamped space has a cozy atmosphere, with plenty of comfortable seating for students to eat, finish homework or enjoy the many activities. Included in the space are eight bowling lanes, several billiards tables, multiple flatscreen TVs, including two 80-inch spectacles which will be used for gaming, a brand new grill with a full kitchen and eventual space for darts and poker tournaments.

The center is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Rich Renollet, director of the center, said those hours may eventually be expanded later and into Saturdays.

Renollet said the past couple weeks have been busy, but it is exciting to see the alley open again and full of students. He said he has heard nothing but positive comments about the new features. He is especially proud of the level of customer service that will be offered.

“The team we’ve hired really seem to be catching on and doing a nice job, for as new as they are at the job,” Renollet said. “We’ll make our mistakes along the way, but we’re committed to when we make a mistake, we make it right with that guest.”

For students who have been missing the hamburgers in the wRECk Center, the Shocker Sports Grill can satisfy those cravings. While the old bowling center’s kitchen capabilities were limited to microwaves or frying food, Renollet said a highlight of the Grill is the fresh food it serves.

“We’re doing fresh made salads, fresh made burgers and sandwiches,” he said. “The quality is a ton better, and [there are] more choices, in general.”

The basement’s biggest attraction is probably the bowling lanes, which are sunken with a glass viewing area, so people can watch. Since the lanes have opened, the bowling team has been getting in early practices.

Chris Colella, a senior on the team, said, “The atmosphere is different — it’s a lot nicer. Just being able to bowl on these lanes again, it’s a lot different experience than being in our old bowling alley.”

Having the basement back means that the team can finally go back to practicing together on campus, rather than going elsewhere. Colella and Tyler Maxwell, a junior on the team, agreed that the space will allow the team to be more productive, in addition to allowing them to see more of their teammates.

“The layout and everything — I think it’s more appealing,” Maxwell said. “[As a team], this kind of brings us back together.”

As for pricing, Renollet said that everything is priced so students on a tight budget can come and play, without worrying about spending too much. Bowling is $2.50 per game, per person, and shoe rental is a one-time $1.50. Billiards tables can be rented for $5 per hour, regardless of the amount of players.

For frequent customers, the center will be bringing back its “Eat. Drink. Play.” rewards program that will allow guests to earn discounts. Renollet said that once everything is running smoothly, they might start offering specials.

An additional feature of the basement is its ability to support group outings. Renollet said it is a great venue for group parties, and there are special group rates for those who make reservations.

“We’re really a place for the campus community to go to blow off some steam and relieve some stress,” he said. “So come down, have fun, enjoy it. Know that we’re here to serve.”