An esports lounge will replace the Bruin Fun Zone in Ackerman Union.

The Bruin Fun Zone – located on the A-level of Ackerman Union – was introduced in 2022 as a recreational space that housed arcade machines, table tennis, foosball, Jenga and board games. As of May 21, the space was closed off, with tarp-covered windows and a notice of renovation placed outside.

[Related: Bruin Fun Zone brings classic games, entertainment to Ackerman Union]

The project is being overseen by UCLA Recreation and is scheduled for completion this fall, a UCLA spokesperson said in an emailed statement. ASUCLA is looking to reintroduce social and recreational activities at its other locations, the spokesperson added in the statement.

Noelle Zepeda, a first-year biology student, said it was a tradition for her and her friends to visit the fun zone Tuesday evenings to play the “Mortal Kombat” arcade game.

“We got really involved in that game, and we’re like, ‘We want to beat the next level,’” she said. “We were doing pretty well until we came back one day – it was closed, and we were sad about it.”

Joyce Hernandez, a fourth-year molecular, cellular and developmental biology student, said students might miss the games the Bruin Fun Zone provided. She added that an esports lounge may intimidate students who are unfamiliar with gaming.

“When you say ‘esports,’ a lot of people think, ‘Oh, this is where all of the really sweaty gamers go,’” Hernandez said.

She added that she is looking forward to the new gaming lounge because Eclipse, the gaming and development space located in Rieber Hall, is regularly busy at night.

Hernandez also said having an esports lounge could give students a new way to relax.

Zepeda added that she hopes the traditional arcade games will be kept inside the space or repurposed in another part of campus.

“While I do think it’s a good thing, I’m still going to miss the old things,” she said.