Partnership Between Block House and The University of Olivet Deepens

The difference between the Blockhouse on a day with no event and a day with an event.

OLIVET, Mich. — Block House and The University of Olivet have been deepening their partnership. They are hosting events specifically targeting the college students on campus. 

“Since they began hosting more student-focused events like karaoke nights and Greek nights, the environment has definitely changed. It feels more energetic and more connected to campus life,” Mike Okello, sophomore said.

The events that Block House hosts cater towards the college students, but everyone is welcome. They host college nights where specific food and drink option prices are lowered. Also hosting Greek night and friends, where it's a night dedicated to Greek life on campus, but again everyone is welcome. They even host karaoke nights for the students and community. DJ Tate 5 also goes to Block House and plays music at some of the events, if he isn’t there, his equipment might be set up. 

The difference at the bar between a just a normal Friday and a Thursday with karaoke.

“Focus on the local students and we try to offer things that are relatively affordable for students because we understand we are in a weird time, and prices are very interesting,” Kyle Ritenburgh, the manager of Olivet’s Block House’s location said.

According to Ritenburgh, the difference in the number of customers between nights they have an event and the nights they don't is unknown. Nevertheless, the event nights at the blockhouse have succeeded at bringing in more customers. 

“It benefits the college kids because they have more of a place to go and hang out and do fun things, but it also benefits the blockhouse because it’s foot traffic, it’s customers and it’s money coming in,” Javier Smith, assistant athletic director said. 

“[Block House] help with the esports team by giving them a place to go and now they are partnering up more. It's a win-win for both parties, gives students more things to do and extra revenue for the Block House,” Draven Langston, junior said. 

The dining area on Friday compared to Thursday with karaoke.

Block House has been home to The University of Olivet esports team since the building opened in August 2024. Specifically for esports, they have a practice area as well as the competition being in the main area of the Block House on the stage. Block House also features gaming consoles and a sports simulator available for everyone. 

Block House's Facebook page posts about supporting the Olivet men’s basketball team. They also post about hosting the Greek nights and the college nights.