Written by Bailey Coffman // Photo by Edgar Cardiel
Tacker’s Shake Shack donated five TVs last semester to be installed in the Student Center. Campus Life began using them for activities as of late January, when they were installed.
There are a plethora of shorthand terms for places around campus that remain dear to the hearts of students. For instance, “the Crack” refers to a small parking lot between Cathcart and Kendall Hall, while “the Stu” is used for the Student Center. Tucked away at the back of the Student Center is “the Pit,” where Tacker’s Shake Shack found its home in February 2022.
Since then, Tacker’s has been on a mission to attract more visitors to its side of campus. Senior Lisanne Cheatham, media director for Campus Life, spoke to her excitement of the new addition of TVs to the Pit.
“As an organization, we have been searching for ways to make the Pit a more lively place,” Cheatham said. “We had initially started weekly bingo nights and monthly trivia competitions to start moving student traffic down into the area, but we believe that the new TVs are really going to draw more students down into the Pit. Since getting the new TVs, we have hosted a student Super Bowl party, and we are looking forward to playing basketball games during March Madness in the Pit. Campus Life is trying to create a central place for students to meet and watch their teams play.”
As important as the Pit is to Tacker’s, it is also important to Campus Life, whose offices are located just adjacent to Tacker’s. Senior Brenley Colbert, who has worked with Campus Life for several semesters, elaborated on Tacker’s vision to revitalize their corner of the student center.
“At the beginning of the year, Mr. Tacker expressed his desire to improve the Pit’s vibe,” Colbert said. “He envisioned creating a lively atmosphere similar to Buffalo Wild Wings and offered to donate the TVs under the condition that we manage them and use them for various activities. Tacker’s represents good food and a welcoming environment, fostering a sense of community. This collaboration holds significant benefits for Campus Life, allowing us to offer entertainment and foster connections among students.”
Hank Noblin, a senior who is also actively involved with Campus Life, expressed his gratitude for Tacker’s donation.
“They donated five 70-inch TVs, which is just super generous, and we’re really thankful for that,” Noblin said. “I feel like when you think of the Pit, you just think of people getting food and leaving, and they wanted more of a sports restaurant vibe. Instead of being a place to just grab food and go, Tacker’s is trying to create a gathering place for students across campus.”
