Oregon State University’s football made a new play in Central Oregon. As they began practices, the team headed to Bend to spend a week of training at a new location.

The 105 players and 80 staff members stayed in Central Oregon Community College’s year-old residence hall while spending their days of practice at the Summit High School football field.

OSU contacted Housing Marketing & Summer Conference Coordinator, Stephanie Bilbrey to arrange the visit to campus.

The gross revenue to COCC during the team’s week long stay was about $80,000, Bilbrey said. This money is used to pay for Sodexo Foodservice fees and campus services/meeting room fees.

The residence hall’s share was about $36,000. This residence hall revenue will be used to cover operational costs from the week, such as laundry, services, staffing, and supplies. “[The] remaining net revenue will likely go back to the residence hall and summer conference program,” said Bilbrey.

OSU was super thrilled about their experience, Bilbrey said, not just at COCC but Bend overall. “Our goal is to invite them back for future use here,” said Housing Coordinator, Paul Wheeler. The convenience and affordability of the campus left an impression on OSU Bilbrey said, and there are hopes that other teams might use the facility, as well.

Allowing the team to stay gave COCC an opportunity to see what the campus housing was capable of.

“It is a collaborative effort with all of the departments on campus. It went really well, but we can keep improving,” Bilbrey said.

Throughout the summer the residence hall was also used to house Cascade Classic Cycling teams, youth groups, and other Central Oregon professionals. COCC has hopes to continue to expand the use of the residence hall during the upcoming summers, as well, Bilbrey added.

Olivia Webb | The Broadside

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