UNC gets change of taste

Months of anticipation ended Monday when the Rams Head Center officially opened its doors for business.

Grand opening festivities will continue through Wednesday to highlight different aspects of the multi-use center, which originally was slated for completion last January.

“Everyone is ecstatic about the new center,” said Ira Simon, director of food and vending services, noting that the dining facility, upon opening, exceeded his expectations.

He said students, faculty members and community members ought to take time out to tour the center. Tours are available through Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

One stop on the tour is the new Rams Head market, a full-service grocery store.

The market is almost overwhelming because of everything it features, Simon said — it is the second largest college market in the country.

Predicting that students who sample Rams Head’s fare will come back for more, Simon said the new center will change the taste of dining on campus.

The End Zone — a two-story sports cafe located inside the new building — will host a series of competitions during opening festivities Tuesday.

These will include a racing game and a basketball shoot-out event. Officials are giving away a custom-made bicycle in conjunction with the games.

Opening festivities will conclude Wednesday with a performance by a live band in the new center from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., followed by a fireworks display.

But this flash and flair won’t herald the opening of the entire operation — the center’s recreational section fell behind in construction and will not open until next fall.

The center’s completion is just one of many additions to campus slated for completion during the next few years.

Bruce Runberg, associate vice chancellor for facilities planning and construction, said he believes Rams Head will make South Campus more prominent and accessible.

“With the completion of the center, students might be more inclined to live more on the southern part of campus,” he said.

The center’s completion bridges the gap between South Campus and North Campus, a key goal of the University’s Master Plan for construction.

Other elements of the plan include construction on Cobb Residence Hall, Memorial Hall and student family housing — all scheduled for completion this summer.

At the same time these projects are drawing to a close, others will kick off, adding utility projects to campus, re-roofing many buildings and starting renovations to Morrison Residence Hall.

Runberg said the completion of Rams Head marks a significant step in the University’s renovation and construction process. “People seem pleased with the new center,” he said. “The building is really spectacular.”

Many students said they are excited and are looking forward to visiting and eating at the new facility.

Sophomore Paula Gangopadhyay, who lives in Morrison, said she planned to visit the center on opening night and was anticipating seeing the diner and the sports bar. She also said she’s excited about having a gym on South Campus.

“The Rams Head Center is just another advantage to living in South Campus,” she said.

Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.