By: Cassie Glancy

 The wait is almost over. The $37.5 million Student Recreation Center opens Monday, Oct. 28.

Last Friday, President James Ramsey along with other University officials participated in the ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony of the state-of-the-art facility located near Kurz and Billy Minardi Halls.

Immediately after the service, the doors were flooded with students who wanted to catch a sneak peak at what they have long been waiting for.

“There is no better student rec center in the United States of America or the world,” said Ramsey.

The new gym has features equipment with screens that will allow students to check their email or watch their favorite T.V. shows as they get fit, a golf simulator with 85 courses from around the world, and a weight room that is nearly three times the size of the one in the SAC that students currently use.

“I plan on going to the gym every day,” said freshman Justis Cirillo. “I really like how close it is to my dorm. I can just roll out of bed and workout. I am also really looking forward to not having to wait in line for equipment.”

The Student Recreation Center has 85 pieces of cardio equipment and 22 treadmills. There are six basketball courts that are located on the second and third floors that overlook downtown. There is an indoor track, multiple racquetball courts and aerobic studios. A multi-activity court for indoor soccer and floor hockey, and facilities for fitness evaluations, and a gaming area that includes Xbox and PlayStation gaming systems are all also part of the new center.

It is a goal of intramurals to provide a hang out place for all students to enjoy. In addition to the indoor features, there is a turf field outside that can be used for recreational use or for education classes.

“It is a space by the students and for the students, and for this reason we are particularly proud,” said SGA President Carrie Mattingly.

The plans for the rec center originated from alumni Krista Woltermann who gave tours at the University. She says that many complaints that she would hear from perspective students and parents was the gym was not up-to-par. She wanted to make U of L get as many recruits as possible so she brought her ideas to the student government and with teamwork, the plans grew into fruition.

Funding for the center is coming from private donors and from a $98 student fee included in student tuition bills.

The Student Recreation Center can be considered the most ‘green’ building on campus as it is the first U of L building to be heated and cooled with geothermal energy. It is expected to earn gold certification through the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program.

Photo by: Cassie Glancy