Bethany Magazine - Spring/Summer 2023

The Bethany Activity Center officially opened in May 2023.

Center of Activity

Long-awaited student space opens

BY LANCE SCHWARTZ ’86 • CHIEF COMMUNICATION OFFICER

The Bethany Activity Center officially opened on May 1, 2023. Construction began in November 2021 on the 83,000 square foot multi-purpose building housing recreational and student gathering spaces. The indoor recreational space features a six-lane running/walking track, jumping spaces, artificial turf infield, and drop down netting to divide the space for multiple user groups and purposes at the same time. A new fitness center contains a variety of exercise machines and equipment for the entire campus to use, as well as locker rooms and a 3,000-square-foot student lounge and event space. These new spaces alleviate pressure on the existing Sports and Fitness Center and provide much needed recreational spaces for use by classes, students, and athletes; and will provide additional and much-needed student lounge and study space.

One of two new locker rooms.

Students were able to use the building before the close of the 202223 academic year, and the first event was held in late April when the College’s Heritage Society gathered for a reception and dinner in the building’s event space. A series of grand opening events have begun and will continue throughout the next several months. Those included an official community ribbon cutting on June 1, the Sacred Dedication Service on June 21, in addition tours will also be offered during the Fall Festival weekend in September, and a community open house is planned on November 7, 2023, held in conjunction with Greater Mankato Growth’s Business After Hours monthly event.

Fundraising still continues for this building, which is a component of the multi-phased Building Bethany campaign. Information can be found at blc.edu/buildingbethany

The facility is available for community rental (youth sports, walking/ running, special events). Interested groups can contact the Bethany Activity Center Facility Manager, Nick Neubauer at 507-344-7870.