This Friday, Nov. 17, Suzanne Collins’ prequel to The Hunger Games, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes will be released to theaters worldwide. In anticipation of the new movie and the cultural revival of the hit book series, The Villanovan assigned a location on campus to each district of Panem.
The Capital – Finneran Pavilion
Home of three-time National Championship men’s basketball team and fierce women’s basketball team, the Finn is at the center of the campus community. From the last days of orientation to the first two rounds of the NCAA tournament, the basketball stadium has become a symbol of elegance with an aura of a competition.
District One (Luxury Items) – John and Joan Mullen Center for the Performing Arts
Opened in the spring of 2020, the Mullen Center for the Performing Arts has been home to concerts, musicals and plays of every genre. Designed by President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, Ph.D., the Mullen Center produces luxurious performances and stores an array of fine clothing and grand furniture for its productions.
District Two (Masonry and Defense) – John Barry Hall
With welcoming twin flag poles and a Villanova “V” encrusted on the ground, John Barry Hall is the center of the University’s NROTC and ROTC programs. The hall stores an exclusive gym and training area for the cadets, furthering the defense of our country.
District Three (General Electronics) – Falvey Memorial Library
The library is the hub for electronics. Constantly filled with students eagerly typing out assignments or struggling to make VPrint work on at least one of the multitudes of printers, Falvey is the place for computers, iPads and distracting phones. For any technological malfunctions across campus, the TechZone on the first floor is ready to help. In the basement of Falvey, the Idea Lab has 3D printers and laser cutters to reserve, and even various consoles to play with after studying.
District Four (Fishing) – West Campus
Much like District Four in the novels, West Campus has the most ecologically diverse section of the University. From the turf soccer fields to the paved tennis courts and the wooded apartments to the law school swamp, there’s always a place you can find that feels completely different from the rest of campus.
District Five (Power/ Electricity) – Bartley Hall, Sheehan and Sullivan
Home to VSB, Bartley runs on flat-screen TVs of stocks and sleek classrooms with the latest technology. Gmelich Lab welcomes students walking in, and holds meetings for the Wildcat Fund, which manages the University’s equity fund. During the weekends and special events, the Quad is bursting with electricity. Sophomores run between glowing buildings, LED lights lining the windows.
District Six (Transportation) – Connelly Center
Whether it is the on-campus shuttle or a bus full of prospective students, the Connelly Center is the place to be for transportation. On Fridays and Saturdays, the off-campus shuttle leaves Connelly on the hour to take Villanovans to King of Prussia Mall, and on Wells Fargo game days the Campus Activities Team organizes a bus to bring students to the game. Plenty of clubs host activities off campus, and as the Connelly Center is centrally located, it is the perfect location for transportation to pick up members.
District Seven (Lumber) – South Campus
Surrounding Donahue Hall, amongst the freshman dorms, are towering trees providing shade in the spring and gorgeous colors in the fall. First-year students take advantage of these trees by hanging up hammocks or providing picnics under the looming branches.
District Eight (Textiles) – Kennedy Hall
The final destination to every tour and the first stop on parent’s weekend, Kennedy Hall, home of the University bookstore, has the newest trends and stylish sweatshirts, all imprinted with a Villanova crest. Every family member is represented in various t-shirts, as well as all the athletic programs. From blankets to baby bibs, and socks to silicone stickers, the bookstore has all the textiles a student could wish for.
District Nine (Grain) – Friar Hall, The Commons
There’s no debate that Holy Grounds in the Commons is the best out of the campus-wide franchise with its fine spherical ice and the assortment of freshly-made pastries. The coffee shop is next door to The Refectory, Villanova’s own fine dining option. This tastefully designed restaurant has delicious gourmet food perfect for any event.
District Ten (Livestock) – Mendel Science Center
Villanova’s science center is named after Augustinian friar Gregor Mendel, who discovered the fundamentals of genetics, which helps with cross-breeding livestock today. Students of Liberal Arts and Sciences can take a multitude of biology courses and learn about genetics through lectures and labs in Mendel.
District Eleven (Agriculture) – Dougherty Hall
With two dining options and an extensive underground kitchen, Dougherty Hall is the center of all food on campus. Those who don’t want to spend a meal on stir fry or a famous Pit grilled cheese can go on the main level for a Cafe Nova burrito bowl or flatbread pizza. The options are endless in Dougherty.
District Twelve (Coal Mining) – CEER, Delurey Hall, O’Dwyer Hall and Simpson Hall
Katniss’s home district and the farthest from the capital, these buildings are on the outskirts of campus and have more independence than the rest. The constant construction can be maddening but at least residents can escape to the comfort of nearby Campus Corner, Goodness Bowls and Starbucks.
