Explore the Newhouse Sports Media Center 

Between midterms and finals last semester, it was an incredibly busy time. There was internship planning, holiday planning, planning for finals and planning on how to survive Black Friday for those of us who work retail. When the chaos was closing in on me, I found some solace in the new Newhouse Sports Media Center (SMC) space, which is just around the corner from Food.com on the second floor of Newhouse 3.   

The SMC expansion officially opened on Sept. 27. It is a collaborative space for students to do schoolwork, work on extracurriculars and projects, have production meetings, socialize and much more.  

There are several computers for writing and editing, as well as meeting spaces and a full production set with cameras, control boards and all the other bells and whistles you might need when it comes to broadcasting and communications work. But it is not just the technological offerings that are there to help students; the SMC is meant to be a comfortable, fun space. There are large televisions, reading material, couches and game tables including foosball, air hockey and teeny-tiny billiards. 

My favorite part might just be the massive wall of windows. As it gets colder, I know I will enjoy watching the snowfall or the sunset from above. And our Newhouse professors have told us many times that if you want to go inside and use the space just to nap on one of the couches, please do so. 

It can be a bit chaotic when production meetings are happening for things like 44Films or a show is being broadcast or many Newhouse students are using the space, but sometimes you might be the only one there. Use that time to find your peace or spot of comfort. Pull up the automatic shades (it is the second to last button on the light switch) and watch the sunset even for just a few minutes.  

For those not in the sports media program, do not fret. While the center is locked for those not in that program, it is not meant to keep anyone out. If you want to check it out, find a sports media friend or classmate, or just try knocking on the door.