The Oakland Center [OC] is home to several wonderful spaces for students to relax and enjoy themselves. While there are several options around the OC for students to take a load off from the monotonous school schedules, those interested in playing games are most drawn to the Grizz Den.
The Grizz Den, formerly known as the Bear Cave, is a space for students to access video game consoles, gaming computers and the pool tables seen at its entrance. This gamer’s paradise can be found in the middle of the lower level of the OC. Katie Mel, a front desk student employee at the Grizz Den, explains the top-notch quality of the Grizz Den’s equipment.
“I would say we have very, very high quality [equipment],” Mel said. “Sure, it may not be everyone’s specific quality or measurements that some people like, but it is very up and new. We make sure to get everything new and updated, so we have the PS5, the Xbox [series] X, as well as the Switch, and even some new PCs [personal computers] in the back at the moment.”
Between the PCs and the consoles, some prefer one over the other. Mel explains that PCs are more popular in the Grizz Den.
“The PCs are more popular because people see them, and they instantly gravitate towards them,” Mel said. “People are less likely to know that we do have the Xbox and PlayStation, which I will say, are out at the moment because we’re downloading new games onto them so that way we don’t have to lend out CDs anymore.”
When it comes to using these resources, students may ask how long they are allowed to use them. Mel explains how time limits are used for the different aspects of the Grizz Den.
“Pool is first come first served, and you can stay on it for as long as you want,” Mel said. “As for consoles, there’s not really a time limit. We can’t really monitor your time limit. PCs come with an automatic two hours, and if we’re not that busy, we can feel free to add another hour. We kind of kick you off once you’ve hit five hours a day though.”
Being a student who has used the area herself, Mel has nothing but good things to say about the Grizz Den. She advised students who are utilizing the Grizz Den to bring their Grizz ID card, which allows Mel and other student desk workers to authorize access to the equipment.
“It’s definitely a fun hangout spot,” Mel said. “This is where I first hung out my freshman year, and I made a lot of my friends here. Definitely, just give it a shot if you’re bored on campus and need something to do. And don’t forget your Grizz ID. That’s your access to everything.”
For more information on the Grizz Den, including other resources provided, a list of the PC games available and the rules and policies, please visit the Grizz Den website.
