Underage students face limited options

During any weekend, bars overflow with people working off a week of stress by socializing and enjoying live entertainment.

But of all the bars in State College, only two, Crowbar, 420 E. College Ave., and Player's Sports Bar, 112 W. College Ave., open their doors to people under 21.

Player's Sports Bar has 18-and-over nights on Tuesdays. But while this still gives those under 21 looking for a club scene an option, it can still be inconvenient to some students because it is on a school night.

- Dave Klass (freshman-DUS)

The 18-and-over nights aren't as profitable as having a full bar open, Cocolin said. That is why Player's won't have 18-and-over nights on weekends because that is when the bar makes the most money, he added.

Crowbar is the other bar in downtown State College that features live acts while keeping the doors open to those under 21.

Some University students said they are used to the more lively night life found in large cities.

Alli Mediano (freshman-division of undergraduate studies) said while Crowbar offers live musical acts, the cost can get hefty.

Darcy Pletz (junior-insurance) said she used to go the large two-story dance clubs in the Philadelphia area. State College could use more 18-and-over nights, she said.

Often, students under 21 miss out on the live entertainment found in bars.

"Cafe 210 West always has acts I want to see," said Dave Klass (freshman-DUS). "But I have to wait another three years before I can see any of them."

Cafe 210 West, 210 W. College Ave., is tentatively planning to enlarge the bar and is thinking about under-21 nights, said Hal McCullough, owner.

"If Cafe 210 West does continue to grow, it would consider to include under-21 nights," McCullough said.

But while Cafe 210 West contemplates under-21 nights, the under-21 crowd looks for alternatives.

"I go to fraternities because there isn't much to do downtown," said Kristen Kohler (freshman-DUS). "There's no clubs, and bands will only play in bars."

Fraternities are the only places where people under 21 could socialize and see live entertainment, she added.

While downtown leaves little for the under-21 crowd to do many students turn to the University for options. HUB Late Night, which began Fall Semester 1996, offers a variety of free activities including movies and live musical acts Friday and Saturday nights. It is funded by the student activity fee.