University of Arizona

Student Recreation Center

The Student Recreation Center was originally opened in 1990 after the students at the University of Arizona spent several years working to convince the administration that there was a need for such a facility.

The facility has been expanded several times since—this includes a 54,000 square foot expansion completed in 2010 and the addition of the William David Sitton Field, a premier sports field, in August 2013.

The facility features something for everyone, including over 35,000 square feet of weight room/cardio space, five multi-purpose studios, an Olympic-sized pool, six basketball/volleyball courts, six racquetball courts, two massage studios, an indoor track, several lounges and gaming areas, a world-class Outdoor Recreation Center, two sand volleyball courts, and an outdoor bouldering wall.

Additionally, the facility features a computer lab and tutoring center, a bookstore retail shop, and a food service concept featuring healthy options for students and guests. In total, the facility sees over one million visitors per year.

Snapshot

  • School Enrollment: 42,000
  • Average Daily Participation: 5,000-6,000
  • Most Recent Renovation: 2010: 55,000 sq.ft.
  • Total Construction Cost: $27 million renovation cost
  • Gross Square Feet: 108,000
  • LEED Designation: Platinum

About

  • The 2010 expansion was the first LEED Platinum university recreation facility in the country
  • We are currently in the design phase of a full locker room remodel which will replace the original 1990 locker room with a modern facility which will include increased private space, gender neutral space, and upgraded amenities
  • We see over 1 million visitors per year
  • The facility includes a healthy bistro food service location, computer lab, tutoring center, and bookstore retail operations
  • Our Olympic-sized pool holds over 650,000 gallons
  • Solar energy is used to heat the pool and provide energy toward the cooling of the facility
  • The building is oriented and includes large panoramic windows to ensure natural light floods the facility while direct sun is shielded by building overhangs
  • Rain water is harvested and diverted from storm drains into water retention basins located below the sand volleyball courts
  • High-efficiency lighting and HVAC systems are used to conserve power
  • First LEED project on campus and first LEED Platinum collegiate recreation center in the country
  • The rec center has over one million visitors annually
  • The facility has been renovated several times over the years for different needs including to accommodate a growing demand.
  • Originally, the facility had 16 racquetball courts, but we now only have six. Several have been converted into multipurpose rooms.
  • The main entrance/lobby where the computer lab, food service, and bookstore operations are located was originally the weight room.
  • Would like to continue to modernize the facility in various ways, like by opening up walls to the basketball courts to make them feel more inviting.
  • That would be a nice change to the facility.
  • Would also like to add a recreational component to the pool to take advantage of the Arizona weather.
  • Precor cardio and strength equpiment
  • Woodway treadmills
  • Star Trac cardio and strength equpiment
  • PLAE flooring
  • Mondo flooring
  • Hammer strength equpiment
  • Life Fitness strength equpiment
  • RecTrac and MainTrac software used for operations
  • Iron Grip weights
  • Matrix cardio and strength equipment
  • Cybex cardio and strength equipment

Architect Information

  • Design Architect: Parkin Architects/IEF Group (now Breckenridge)
  • General Contractor: Carnes Construction
  • Renovation Design Architect: M3 Engineering and Technology Group/Sasaki Associates
  • Aquatic Design Consultant: Rowley International

Address & Information

  • Address: 1400 E. 6th Street, Tucson, AZ 85721
  • Phone: 520-621-8702
  • Website: Student Recreation Center
  • Facebook: n/a
  • Twitter: n/a

Featured in…

2016 NIRSA Recreation Facilities Institute

2016 NIRSA Recreation Facilities Institute Featured Tour