The first batch of incoming freshmen arriving at the University for orientation June 4 will be introduced to a new face of campus.

The orientation will be the first of many events held at the Tate Center’s expansion. After 14 months of construction, the facility opened to the public June 1. However, the official opening of Tate II will take place at an Aug. 20 ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The $60 million expansion follows the opening of the Tate Center parking deck, the new WUOG radio studio, a larger UGACard office and a dance studio. Its three floors feature seating, meeting rooms and a large event venue.

“We really do believe that this will be one of the best student centers, and a phenomenal space for our students,” said Willie Banks, director of Campus Life and the Tate Student Center.

“I think people are very excited about it and impressed with the scope and size,” he said.

The main lobby on the third floor houses the new Print & Copy Services, food court and amphitheater – equipped with a projector to exhibit football games or news events. Tate II also features new dining options including Barberitos, Larry’s Giant Subs, and an Asian eatery called Hotei’s.

“We are excited about it because it’s another place for students to eat, study, play cards and really have a good time,” he said.

Banks drew attention to the simple lines and neutral colors of the lobby, which include black and gray – but not red. The intention, he said, was to make the space seem more timeless, in anticipation of the facility lasting a long time.

“I could see myself studying in here,” said Maxwell Mitchell, a sophomore from Augusta.

“I think it’s awesome, it’s great,” said Brian Hancock, a senior from Alpharetta. Pointing out the size of the main lobby, Hancock added, “There’s not much of a homey feeling to it.”

The fourth floor provides meeting rooms and a new Faculty Dining Center, moved from Memorial Hall.

The Grand Hall on the fifth floor is a 12,000-square-foot multi-purpose room, outfitted with 12 drop-down screens for presentations. It can also be divided into seven different spaces to host multiple events.

It is designed to be a more useful space for student group functions than similar locations at the Georgia Center or Memorial Hall.

The venue can also host larger events. Ed Mirecki, associate director of Campus Life, noted that Legion Field, the University’s outdoor venue, may host only events that can draw crowds of 4,000 people.

The 1,700 or 1,800 person capacity of the Grand Hall allows for a wide range of events that draw selective audiences.

“We have found that there has been a great demand from a lot of people on campus,” Banks said. “We have already received numerous reservations from different departments and student groups for that space.”

Though the Department of Campus Life is awaiting commitments to begin advertising events, the Ideas and Issues division has arranged for actor Sean Astin – from “The Lord of the Rings” – to lecture in the Grand Hall on Aug. 31, said Liz Hansen, program advisor for the University Union.

Despite its opening, the expansion is not yet complete. The Dawg Pen sports lounge, which will feature pool tables, TVs and gaming consoles, will open in August. And though the box office of the student movie theater in the original Tate Center has now been renovated, the theater’s interior will not be reworked until winter break.

Banks said that apart from minor details such as forgetting to order trash receptacles in some rooms, Tate II’s opening is running smoothly.

“Our top goal is that our students get the facility they deserve,” he said.