An arch entry for students to use to attend sporting events at the Ritchie Center is expected to be completed before the end of fall quarter.

The Undergraduate Student Government (USG) is in charge of the project that will replace Rally Alley, which has been criticized for its dim lights and crowding.

The arch is estimated to cost roughly $10,000, according to USG President Jim Fransescon, will include the signature DU logo and will be located on the east side of the main entryway to Coors Fitness Center.

Once placed, the Arch Denver will be permanent and signify a space specifically designed for students to come together and tailgate before hockey games.

“USG is focusing on unity within the student body right now,” said USG Sen. Carrie Louise Gamper, who has played a large part in the process of redesigning the entrance.

“This arch is not just another piece of artwork. It is going to represent the place where students can go together, and tailgate and socialize before games,” she said.

The idea for the arch was conceived when USG began searching for a substitute for “Rally Alley,” which students used to enter hockey and basketball games in previous years.

According to Gamper, complaints of security and poor lighting in the alley, located just east of Fitness Gates Fieldhouse, prompted USG to investigate the popularity of the old student entrance.

USG found that the entrance, designed to give students exclusive access, deterred some students from attending games while causing others to find alternate ways of entering the Ritchie Center.

Therefore, USG relocated the entrance, which will be fronted by the proposed arch, and give students an area to buy discounted food and drinks before games.

“It is expensive,” said Gamper. “But we (USG) think that this arch will go a long way in unifying the campus. Our hope is that by establishing an area where people can come together, more students will want to attend games and support our teams and our school.”