Three gyms in The Royce and Pam Money Student Recreation and Wellness Center will transform into a Sing Song set-up shop this weekend.
Paper covers the floors in gyms A, B and C as well as a few classrooms on the side facing Moody so the spaces serve as a green room for Sing Song acts during the performances, said Brian Devost, executive director of the Rec Center.
“We have all the confidence in the world that our venues will be kept clean and intact when the event is over because Tom Craig and his crew of student workers are very responsible and will make sure that everything is cleaned up and taken care of,” Devost said. “We’re just glad we can help them create a more accessible and more convenient staging location.”
The gyms will be closed Wednesday through Saturday, and will reopen for general use Sunday. Gym D and the outdoor basketball court, will be available for open recreational play, Devost said.
Additionally, the conference room upstairs will be reserved for the judges to convene in, said Joel Swedlund, director of facility operations at the Rec Center.
Swedlund said the Rec Center will have an open house Friday through Sunday.
“We’re opening our doors to anyone associated with Sing Song and ACU, which means our facilities are available for parents and siblings to try out for free,” Devost said.
Visitors will need to fill out a waiver to receive a wristband – valid for multiple days – that will act as a pass for all the facilities. The wristband will include admission into the exercise classes that will be open to everyone. The open house also includes the pool, the track and racquetball rooms, among other things.
“We don’t allow anyone on the bouldering wall or in the fitness center that are under 18,” Swedlund said. “But other than that it’s pretty much open to our Sing Song guests.”
Intramural basketball has been postponed this week and will pick up again next week to accommodate Sing Song.
Also, Devost expects the Rec Center to empty out somewhat during the Sing Song activities, since many students are involved in Sing Song as participants or guests. The front desk will be manned until activities are over on all nights.
“We’re trying to be user-friendly,” Devost said. “We want to collaborate and partner with anyone working to enhance the student life experience on campus. So, as you can see, we also have a role to play – we are trying to create memorable moments and to make it a positive experience for everybody.”
