University Recreation Center Opens its Doors

University Recreation Center officially opens its doors

Since opening on Jan. 8, the University Recreation Center (UREC)—UNC Charlotte’s new facility dedicated solely to health, recreation and wellness—has welcomed an average of 3,000 students, faculty and staff members daily. The 148,000-square-foot, multi-level building located in the heart of campus answers a need for recreation and fitness space for the University’s growing student population.

“Maintaining personal health is essential for students to be successful in their academic work and for participating in student activities that build the organizational and leadership skills they’ll need for post-graduation success,” said Chancellor Philip L. Dubois at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “UREC offers the entire campus community dedicated fitness and recreation space designed to steer all users toward a lifetime of healthy habits.”

With two pools, multipurpose courts, studios for group fitness, cardio and strength training equipment, and an indoor track with an aerial view of campus, UREC offers an extensive wellness experience for every member of Niner Nation, regardless of their physical ability.

“Without a doubt, UREC enhances the student experience,” said Chandler Crean, student body president. “As a Niner Guide for the Admissions Office, I see the reactions of prospective students when they enter UREC during campus tours. They’re blown away by the facility’s size, the quality of the equipment and everything offered. Some even have commented that it far exceeds recreational facilities at other universities in the region.”

Student Government Association leaders began advocating in 2012 for the construction of a dedicated recreational facility. At that time, University leaders started planning the best approach to structuring student fees to fund design, construction and operation of such a center. (No state appropriations were used for UREC.) The $66 million facility, built to keep pace with the demands of UNC Charlotte’s growing student population, was completed without additional debt fees for students. A modest operational fee, phased in over the past five years, has resulted in a net additional annual recreational fee of $50 for students.

UREC joins a number of capital improvement projects led by Dubois. As chancellor, he has led the largest facility construction and renovation program in UNC Charlotte’s history, exceeding $1.2 billion. For more information about UREC, including memberships, hours of operation and classes, visit urec.uncc.edu

UREC Fast Facts

UREC membership is available to many University constituents, including students, faculty, staff, alumni and others. Faculty and staff can purchase a UREC membership for $160 per year, which equates to roughly $7 per pay period. (Full-time, permanent employees are eligible for payroll deduction.)

Alumni registered with the

UNC Charlotte Alumni Association PERKS Program (49eralumni.uncc.edu) are eligible for memberships for $160 per year.

Members have access to a variety of programs, services and amenities, including access to all facilities managed by the Department of University Recreation (urec.uncc.edu).

Members have access to personal training services and swim lessons for an additional fee.

The University Recreation Center features:

Two aquatic spaces - An indoor pool with five lanes for lap swimming and open space designed for water activities like logrolling, water basketball and Aquafit, among others. An outdoor leisure pool is planned for relaxation and socialization and water volleyball.

Four multipurpose courts designed for open recreation activities (basketball, volleyball, badminton).

Four levels of dedicated cardio and strength training equipment, including space for high-intensity interval training and powerlifting.

Indoor track - six laps equal one mile with changing elevations designed for running or walking. It opens to a functional training space with indoor turf.

Five multipurpose studios for group fitness, small group training, sport clubs and special events. The are designed to accommodate fitness class formats popular with patrons: Zumba, TRX, Barre, plus many more. One studio is a cycling space, with a class capacity of 35. The 5th-level studio is planned as a “Mind and Body” space for optional warmer than usual temperatures.

Teaching kitchen to host demonstrations designed to showcase healthy eating workshops through collaborations with campus partners.

Outdoor court space - includes two controlled-access outdoor court spaces for basketball and sand volleyball.