A group of alumni headed to Facebook to save the Hippodrome after learning of the University’s plan to remove it from the Marvin Center’s fifth floor.

Patrick Edward created the Facebook group last Tuesday, and less than a week later, “Save the GW Hippodrome!” boasted nearly 550 members protesting the University’s decision to shut down the bowling alley.

John Mooney, a 2003 graduate, suggested fundraising after posting a question regarding the cost of keeping the Hippodrome alive.

No official announcement has been made suggesting finances drove the decision to close the Hippodrome. University officials cited lack of enthusiasm for the bowling area as the reason.

University spokeswoman Candace Smith said no concrete plans have been made for the space and the University is still in the “conceptual stage.”