One of the first Warrior Zones built in the Army is now open at Fort Riley

By Strehle, AshleyDecember 18, 2009

One of Army's First Warrior Zone opens, Fort Riley, Kansas DFMWR
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A 1st Infantry Division Soldier concentrates while playing a video game at the opening of the Fort Riley Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation's new Warrior Zone on Dec. 18 on Custer Hill, Fort Riley. The Warrior Zone is a recreationa... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Fort Riley opens a Warrior Zone facility, one of the first of its kind in the Army
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation employees offer a complimentary piece of pizza to Command Sgt. Maj. Julia Kelly, command sergeant major for the 299th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Divisio... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT RILEY, Kan. - It's 10 a.m. on Dec. 18 and the Warrior Zone has just officially opened for business. The building is packed with Soldiers.

Some are playing video games, others cards. Some are chatting with friends and Family on the facility's computers. Some are focused on a game of pool. And still others are gathered around the counter of Warrior Zone's Java CafAfA.

Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation employees circulate among the guests, handing out free pizza and welcoming them to the new facility.

The facility's opening lasts until midnight.

Michael Alderson, Warrior Zone manager, said the facility gives Soldiers, Department of Defense ID cardholders and their authorized guests an alternative place to hang out. Guests must be at least 18 years old. He said it is also one of the first Warrior Zones built in the Army.

"It's going to give them a great place to come and talk to their friends," Alderson said.

The facility offers free wireless internet access. Computers are available at the facility or people can bring their own. Warrior Zone also offers daily movies in a home movie theater, multiple plasma screen televisions, a pool table, card table and video games.

Food and beverages are offered at the Warrior Zone's Java CafAfA. The cafAfA offers Starbucks, pastries, sandwiches, salads and desserts. The Warrior Zone's bar also features a variety of beers.

An outside covered patio with seating and a barbeque area is available for outdoor functions.

Alderson said most what is available at Warrior Zone is free, with the exception of food and beverages.

The Warrior Zone is offered by DFMWR.

It is open Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to midnight and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The Warrior Zone will be hosting upcoming events such as a Super Bowl Party and Texas Hold'em tournaments.

For more information on the Warrior Zone, call (785) 226-4447 or visit www.rileymwr.com. The Warrior Zone is located in Building 8067, Normandy Drive, on Custer Hill.

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