Sex, gambling and illegal substances are a few of the rumors that have been made as to the reason why the student billiards room has been closed.
According to student worker Kyle Mendee, the poolroom has been closed since Oct. 29. He said he thinks it closed because the loud music that was always playing became a distraction to other students. Mendee also pointed out some items in the poolroom had been broken, including the pool table and some video games.
“The rumor is a janitor walked in, and people were having sex on the table,” said a student who asked to remain anonymous. “People were gambling and doing drugs.”
Student Government Association treasurer Kristin Trailor said the room was shut down mainly because of vandalism. “It’s been shut down a few times in the past,” she said.
Trailor explained that SGA has some ideas on renovating the game room, but nothing official has been set in stone. “We want to update it, make it more of a lounge than an arcade,” said Trailor.
Student Activities Department Assistant Carla Reyes said she made the decision to shut the poolroom down because it was hard to keep maintained. “I hire student workers, but they can only enforce the rules so much,” said Reyes.
Reyes explained that items in the poolroom were often broken and the equipment was not respected. She said that “last semester, someone broke into the jukebox, at the risk of being electrocuted, and stole money.” Reyes said she heard the rumors about gambling and sex, but nothing about drugs, “If we don’t catch people, it’s all hearsay.”
Reyes went on to say that they may install a surveillance camera in the room to make sure students are following the rules and eliminate further problems.
“It sucks, because I play pool,” said student Josh Santos, who explained that he had no idea why the poolroom closed except for the rumors of drugs being present.
BC student Justin Messerschmidt explained that the poolroom closing didn’t really affect him. “I don’t really care, I don’t go in there, [the loud music] was obnoxious, but I don’t really care.”
Some BC student chess players agreed that closing the poolroom was a positive thing for them. “It’s a lot more peaceful now and not loud,” said Mendee.
Students are still allowed in the game room, which consists of chess tables, arcade-style video games and computers. The poolroom will remain closed until further notice.