Faculty, staff and students are invited to check out the newly renovated Rathskeller during a Grand Opening celebration Friday from 4 p.m. to midnight.

The evening will include food samples from the menu as well as entertainment on the new staging area. Numerous giveaways will be held and prizes include Bona gear, gift certificates and Bills playoff tickets. To access the Rathskeller, located below Hickey Dining Hall, guests should use the outside entrance on the west side of the building (toward Shay-Loughlen).

Renovations during the past year included a complete overhaul of the space, including new flooring, walls, furniture, games, and bathrooms. A state-of-the-art sound and lighting system sets the perfect scene to feature bands, league games and comedians, and sporting events will be shown on the Rathskeller’s 11 TVs.

Students will be able to listen to their favorite music while playing shuffleboard, bubble hockey, foosball, pool, Ping-Pong and darts. 

The schedule for Friday’s Grand Opening is:

• 4-5 p.m. – house music
• 5-6:30 p.m. – live music
• 6:30-9:30 p.m. – caricature artist
• 7-8 p.m. – comedian
• 8-9 p.m. – Laugh Pack Comedy Club
• 9:30 p.m.-midnight – DJ

The Rathskeller opened in October 1967 and has been a favorite gathering spot for scores of alumni. It officially re-opened last Sunday and has already been a draw for students.

“This was the work of a lot of people to provide a space specifically for our students. We feel this will make a major impact on campus and we are really excited to see how much this will enhance the student experience,” said Rob DeFazio, associate dean for student life at St. Bonaventure.

Regular hours for the ’Skeller are 6 p.m. to midnight Monday through Friday and noon to midnight Saturday and Sunday. A meal exchange is available daily from 8 to 10 p.m. for students on a meal plan. Cash, credit and Flex Dollars are accepted at all open hours for food purchases. The menu includes boneless wings, pizza, sliders, subs, wraps and more.

The space will be open two hours prior to tip-off for all home men’s basketball games.

What activities would you like to see featured at the Rathskeller? Drop Jenna Keppel an email at jkeppel@sbu.edu.