Key Takeaways
- The Food, Beverage and Entertainment Center (FBEC) is expected to be completed early this year and will feature Challenger Bingo, a snack bar, and a full kitchen.
- The FBEC will have seating for 328 patrons and will offer a variety of food and drink options, including to-go orders for Redstone housing and campground patrons.
- The center is part of a larger effort to improve morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR) facilities on Redstone Arsenal, which also includes the construction of a dog park.
- The dog park, located off Vincent Drive, is expected to open in early 2026 and will feature two open fields, waste disposal stations, and covered picnic tables.
- The FBEC and dog park are part of MWR’s efforts to provide high-quality facilities and services to authorized patrons.
Introduction to the Food, Beverage and Entertainment Center
The Food, Beverage and Entertainment Center (FBEC) is one of two major projects being developed by the Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Directorate on the northeast end of Redstone Arsenal. The nearly 11,000-square-foot building, located north of the Commissary, is expected to be completed early this year and will feature Challenger Bingo, a snack bar, and a full kitchen. The bingo hall will have seating for 328 patrons at four-person tables, arranged banquet-style. The FBEC is a significant development for Redstone Arsenal, and its completion is eagerly anticipated by the community.
Construction and Testing Timeline
According to Gary Haught, chief of MWR’s Business Operations Division, the tentative date for testing and commissioning of the building is mid- to late-January. During this time, the building will be prepared for occupation, and the necessary systems will be installed and tested. The goal is to install furniture for Challenger Bingo in late January, followed by the installation of bingo equipment by Video King in mid-February. Once the equipment is installed, the staff will undergo training to ensure a smooth transition to the new facility. The menu for the snack bar is also being developed, with input from Challenger Bingo patrons who received surveys late last year.
Amenities and Services
The FBEC will offer a range of amenities and services to authorized patrons. The snack bar will provide a variety of food and drink options, and patrons will be able to place to-go orders for convenience. The full kitchen will enable the preparation of a wide range of meals and snacks, and the bingo hall will provide a comfortable and welcoming space for patrons to socialize and enjoy their favorite games. The FBEC is designed to be a hub of activity on Redstone Arsenal, and its completion is expected to have a significant positive impact on the community.
The Dog Park Project
In addition to the FBEC, the MWR Directorate is also working on a dog park project, located off Vincent Drive. The dog park will feature two open fields, one for large dogs and one for small dogs, as well as waste disposal stations, covered picnic tables, and running water. The park will be free to use for authorized MWR patrons and will be open from sunrise to sunset. Dogs must be current on their vaccinations to use the park, and a sign with rules and restrictions will be posted. The dog park is expected to open in early 2026 and will provide a safe and enjoyable space for dog owners to exercise and socialize their pets.
Background and Context
The FBEC and dog park projects are part of a larger effort to improve MWR facilities on Redstone Arsenal. The construction of the FBEC is MWR’s first major non-appropriated fund construction project on Redstone since Redstone Lanes in 2005. The project’s groundbreaking ceremony was held in 2024, and former Garrison Commander Col. Brian Cozine noted the significance of the project for the community. The completion of the FBEC and dog park will provide high-quality facilities and services to authorized patrons, enhancing their overall quality of life and contributing to the well-being of the Redstone Arsenal community.
Conclusion
The Food, Beverage and Entertainment Center and dog park projects are significant developments for Redstone Arsenal, and their completion is eagerly anticipated by the community. The FBEC will provide a range of amenities and services, including Challenger Bingo, a snack bar, and a full kitchen, while the dog park will offer a safe and enjoyable space for dog owners to exercise and socialize their pets. The projects are part of a larger effort to improve MWR facilities on Redstone Arsenal, and their completion will have a positive impact on the community. With their expected completion early this year and in early 2026, respectively, the FBEC and dog park are set to become popular destinations for authorized patrons on Redstone Arsenal.
