WILL SEBERGER/Arizona Daily Wildcat Arizona Jazz Academy student Lucas Gillan plays at the Park Student Union Block Party last night.

The Park Student Union celebrated its grand opening last night with music, prizes, games and, of course, free food.

Tamara DeStefanis, director of PSU, said the Block Party was thrown as a thank-you to students who have had to deal with construction and delays.

"Although we've had a few problems in the past, I know that the students understand we are here to serve them," she said.

The free food was provided by Panda Express, Domino's Pizza and Bruegger's Bagels - all businesses that have yet to open in PSU.

Li Tsou, area manager for Panda Express in Tucson, attended the event and was pleased with the experience. He is hopeful that the new Panda Express will open next week.

"Even though we are delayed, I look forward to the success of this location," he said.

Domino's Pizza, also still under construction, has been operating a cart

outside the food court and will continue to do so for a few more weeks, according to DeStefanis.

Across the courtyard, James Lusk, undeclared junior and vice president of programming for Residence Life, ran the game room filled with billiards and free casino games.

"Our organization wanted to provide this opportunity to students as a nonalcoholic alternative," he said. "They should always have a place to come to."

In addition to the games, KAMP Student Radio, which is part of Arizona Student Media, entertained students with music outside. But an unexpected rainfall sent most students inside to listen to the live jazz band.

"We have some people walking by," said David Cavanaugh, a mobile DJ director of KAMP. "Still, the rain has certainly cut down our crowd size."

Despite the delays and construction, most students admitted they were ready to forgive PSU.

"As long as there's free food, I'm happy," said Felipe Ortega, a mechanical engineering graduate student.

Sarah Smith, a sociology and chemistry freshman, said she has been antsy about the opening, but the free food was a good apology.

"The bagels are so happening," she said.

Nonetheless, free food wasn't enough to appease Kaibab-Huachuca Residence Hall resident Laura Schenk, a pre-nursing sophomore, who is unhappy with the excessive noise of PSU construction.

"Outside my window, I can hear the construction workers sneeze, sing, talk and scratch their butts," she said. "I am losing my mind and about to go on a homicidal rampage."

Diana Ziegler, a journalism senior, said she understands the frustrations associated with PSU but supports the new student union.

Ziegler, a member of the University Activities Board, said she was present to give away free T-shirts, water bottles and pens to support the new student union.

Despite all the setbacks, DeStefanis is optimistic about the future of PSU.

"The meeting rooms will be ready to rent by tomorrow, the game area will open next week, Panda (Express) should be operating next week, and the food court will continue going strong," she said.

DeStefanis also said PSU will see increased business from students living in La Aldea graduate housing and nearby residence halls.