UCLA students and faculty have a new hangout near campus: Barney’s Beanery in Westwood. And the fifth and newest version of the famed West Hollywood eatery comes with a feature to capitalize on Bruin fever.

The Westwood Barney’s was built with a small section of stadium seating in front of a giant-screen TV. Owner David Houston is counting on the section as a draw during UCLA football and basketball games.

“For people who don’t see the game live, they can come and get the same community spirit and hopefully better food at Barney’s,” he said.

Houston first tried decked seating at his Burbank Barney’s two years ago and found it was popular. He’s hoping the concept works even better in Westwood, which is positioned to attract more students than his other locations.

Most diners might prefer a regular booth or table, and the section is designed with that in mind. Out of 220 seats, only 15 are on risers. Diners there can eat as they watch and cheer.

The original Barney’s opened in 1920 on Santa Monica Boulevard. Since Houston bought it in 1999, he has opened four other Barney’s: in Santa Monica; Pasadena; Burbank; and finally Westwood, which opened three months ago.

Houston said the Westwood eatery has had a slow start, but he’s hoping business gets energized when classes begin Sept. 20.

“Summers are quiet in Westwood,” he said. “But it’s picking up with the kids coming back to school.”

If the Westwood restaurant performs well, Houston wants to open a Barney’s in downtown Los Angeles, then the South Bay and maybe even San Diego. He plans to put stadium seating in the new locations.

“If we can get to 10 restaurants, we’ll take on a money partner who can help us open them faster,” he said.