Wondering what the large white structure on the north side of Kahlert Village is?

The Court is a new student-focused gathering space that combines dining, comfortable seating and opportunities for programming outside Urban Bytes.

It’s opening Sept. 16.

Designed as a casual destination for students living in residence halls across the U, The Court adds a little more room for students to stretch out. Accessed through The Game in Urban Bytes, students will find fully air-conditioned and heated seating for about 180 people, with a mix of tables, chairs and highboy seating. Students can purchase food anywhere in Urban Bytes and bring it into The Court.

Inside, they’ll find a coffee station and flavored water choices similar to those found inside—but without the walk. Syrups and options will rotate regularly.

Outside, U of U branded art by resident artist Douglas Wilson, who also painted the spirit tunnel, surrounds The Court and reflects a Coachella-meets-Utah feel. “The goal was to create something that was fun but also kept the University of Utah brand feel,” he says. “I created about 18 mocks and let the committee select some of their favorites. Overall, this project has been a blast to work on. I’m happy that I could be a part of it and contribute to something the students will love.”

Overall, The Court has a boho vibe with a design that brings a relaxed, festival-inspired feel to campus with a light, natural aesthetic thanks to an interior design partnership with IKEA. Greenery, natural textures, rugs, soft pillows and string lights all come together in a setting that feels distinctly different from Kahlert’s traditional dining area.

“We’re wanting to make it fun,” said Anna Dickherber, executive director of Guest and Dining Programs during a walk-through of the space. “The goal is for this to be a space students want to use. We’ll learn as we go how students use it and then build programming opportunities around that.”

As the space evolves, The Court could eventually become reservable for student programming and activities like game nights, movie nights and other student-centered activities.

At present, The Court’s open-air patio provides further opportunities to dine and lounge in the sun. Temporary fencing will be in place for the Sept. 16 opening, with permanent fencing planned as the outdoor area is finalized.

Dining staff will also be on-hand to clean tables and refresh beverages during opening hours.

Those initial operating hours will be:

Monday-Friday

11 am to 1:30 pm

6 to 8:30 pm

Saturday and Sunday closed

Once the patio is complete, hours will adjust to match the operating hours of Urban Bytes.

Ultimately, The Court offers a new setting for students to experience a little more College Town Magic™ with another place to live, learn, eat and connect.

The goal is to give students another place to meet friends for lunch, study between classes, watch a game or simply find a comfortable place to hang out.

That flexibility could be one of The Court’s biggest advantages. Rather than creating a space with a single purpose, the U is giving students room to decide what happens there.

Need a place for lunch? The Court.

Want to meet up with friends? The Court.

Looking for somewhere to take a break from residence hall life? The Court.

Hoping for a student game night or evening event? The Court may become that, too.

Check it out starting Sept. 16.