Alex Mosher
Staff Writer
One of the many perks of ISU is their on-campus Game Center, located in the basement of the Pond Student Union Building (PSUB).
They feature many activities such as bowling, ping pong, billiards and a small section dedicated to classic arcade-style games. All in which seem like a fun way to take a break from homework until you go to pay.
Students have noticed the higher prices at the Game Center and are turning to other local businesses, such as Tough Guy Lanes, for their gaming needs.
The Game Center charges ISU students $2.50 per game and $10.00 for an hour of bowling, $5.00 for an hour of billiards and $2.75 for an hour of ping pong. Prices increase for those who are not ISU students.
Another advantage of Tough Guys is that it has a bar, which draws the 21 and up crowd away from the Game Center while only charging students $1.75 per game, per person (price does not include cost of bowling shoe rental).
“I’ve only ever been bowling on campus once,” said Hailey Belt, an ISU graduate. “Even though the Game Center has a special, I’d still rather go to Tough Guys. They have a more fun atmosphere and if you’re over 21, they have a bar.”
Idaho State appears to have higher gaming rates than other colleges located in Idaho.
Boise State University charges their students $2.25 per game of bowling and $4.50 for an hour of billiards. They also have Freebie Fridays that allows BSU students with their student IDs to play all games, all day, for free.
“The Game Center prices seem competitive,” said Colby Borup, an ISU graduate. “I think it’s a great option for students who don’t have transportation to get out and do something.”
When Colby Borup was a student, he often attended the campus Game Center. He noticed an increase of attendance when there was different events and incentives offered, other than that, the traffic flow was steady or seldom there.
The price point of the Game Center was never an issue for Borup.
Game Center Prices
ISU students: $2.50 per game
Bowling: $10.00 per an hour
Billards: $5.00 per an hour
Ping pong: $2.75 per an hour
