By Gionna Bean, Aquinas Reporter
The entrance to Wege could also be the entrance to a new arcade – Photo by Gionna Bean
As crazy as it sounds, Pinball in Wege may soon be a reality. The possibility that the university administration will put an arcade in lower Wege is a rumor that has been circulating campus lately, but much of the speculation has been unfounded until now.
“We talked with the president, and she’s given her full support,” said junior Grant Bricking, Student Senate Academic Affairs Director. “We’re going to have a meeting with B&G Amusements on Monday, and hopefully we can get some concrete plans in place if the idea gets approved.”
Bricking emphasized that the idea is still in its early stages, so students should not expect too much too soon.
“We wanted to move forward with this before fall break. We just need to move the tables out and paint. It’s kind of been put on the back burner,” Bricking said.
The key factor in determining whether Aquinas would proceed with the arcade construction was the meeting with B&G Amusements, which took place on Nov. 11. The outcome of that meeting has not yet been disclosed.
The concept for an arcade originated from two main factors: the growing demand for more recreational spaces on campus and the need to fill the void left by The Corner’s closure. With students seeking new ways to unwind, socialize, and engage in fun activities outside of class, the campus needed a fresh, dynamic space that could offer both entertainment and a sense of community.
“I think it’d be awesome to have arcade machines, because arcades were like a big part of my childhood. My friends and I would always go to this arcade around where I lived, spend about $10, and play a whole bunch of games. I’d love to bring that experience to Aquinas,” sophomore Logan Licence said.
The arcade would also create additional job opportunities on campus. With operating hours extending into the evening, from approximately 6 -11 p.m., jobs would be available for students with Senate members pitching to cover canceled shifts. While students would not be able to use Flex Cash at the arcade, the cost to play would remain affordable.
“We hope to keep it cheap and accessible for the entire student body,” Bricking said. “Everything would come out of the Student Senate budget, not the college.”
Although arcade games on campus are a fun concept, some students have reservations about the idea.
“I think it would not be used. Maybe for the first week and then people would get bored fast,” senior Olivia Ray said. “Also, if it costs money, people will only go once and then it would always be empty.”
The reaction that the arcade would receive from the student population would determine its success, so Student Senate is keeping its mind on the students as they continue with their plans.
“The idea is to create another place like The Moose to hang out and maybe get some snacks,” Bricking said. “We hope that it can become a place where people want to hang out with their friends and make some memories.”
The Wege Student Center currently stands sans arcade– Photo by Gionna Bean
The Saint 