Images courtesy of USF
By Aubrey Carr
With new and returning Bulls coming to the University of South Florida St. Petersburg for a new academic year, students can expect to see a variety of new and updated features around campus. From new food options to outdoor adventures, The Crow’s Nest has compiled a list of all the new things to check out between classes.
Pickleball court
Joining the campus’ basketball and volleyball courts, USF St. Petersburg now has its very own pickleball courts. Portable nets transform the outdoor basketball courts and paddles and balls are available to students at The Edge and the fitness center. Supplies can be checked out during business hours.
Pontoon boat
Over the summer, USF St. Petersburg’s Campus Recreation department unveiled a new pontoon boat for faculty, students and community members to set sail with. The boat can be rented for a fee and fits up to six passengers. Each excursion is piloted by an experienced captain and allows passengers a first-hand look at Tampa Bay. Excursions must be booked 15 days in advance.
Blenz bowls moves
Students may be used to visiting the University Student Center (USC) for their smoothie fix, but Blenz Bowls will no longer be found. Lynn Pippenger Hall (LPH) is the new home for everyone’s smoothie and bullet coffee needs. Blenz replaces LPH’s previous Starbucks in the Bull Market.
Bento
Replacing the previously revolving restaurant row, the USC’s 727 Eats now features its very own Bento. Students can find a condensed menu of the Pan-Asian favorites they’ve come to love the restaurant for –– including poke bowls, sushi, bento boxes and more. Dining dollars, cash or card can be used here.
Coca-Cola freestyle
Also in 727, USF has partnered with Coca-Cola to bring a freestyle machine to campus. Freestyle allows students to mix their own fountain drink concoctions using a variety of Coca-Cola brand flavors.
For students on the Tampa campus, freestyle machines feature a bright green soda designed especially for USF. Rocky’s Refresher is a mix of Fanta Lime, Sprite and Minute Maid Limeade and can be found in the Marshall Student Center for a limited time.
