Student Union Building 1: The Rathskellar
Student Union Building 1 (SUB 1) has long stood as a cornerstone of community and connection at George Mason University. Well before the iconic Johnson Center rose to prominence, SUB 1 was the vibrant heart of campus life, hosting pivotal events like Mason Day that shaped the university’s spirit and traditions. Throughout the decades, this landmark building has not only housed key departments and offices but has also served as a dynamic hub where countless students have gathered, collaborated, and created lifelong memories. The photograph to the left, taken in 1974, captures the enduring legacy of SUB 1 over the years, as you can see it has not changed much!
The photo to the left is a picture of the Ratskeller from 1977. What was the Rathskeller? Back in 1975 this hotspot was opened in SUB 1 located on the bottom level across where you may now find the Eaterie. This spot was a place for students to come together and hang out drinking a cold beer, and enjoying affordable food. Through the years the Rathskeller gained and lost its popularity due to other hotspots on campus like the Johnson Center and other events like the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people may not have heard of this spot but when it was popular, you would find many students hanging out there!
SUB 1 is home to many people on campus both when the Rathskeller was open to now, places such as this spot on campus harbor communities. It is a place where people can come together and meet new people or spend time with their friends.