Everyone has been to the bookstore at some point during their tenure at UT Dallas, which means everyone has been inside both the old and the new Activity Center—even if they didn't know it.
In the 1970s, the bookstore was actually called the Physical Instruction (P.I.) building and that is where Recreational Sports was housed prior to the construction of the current Activity Center. The P.I. building contained a few racquetball/squash courts and locker rooms. Eventually a few pieces of cardio equipment were purchased and one of the squash courts was converted into a free weight area. That space was quickly outgrown and the need for a new facility was in great demand, so a recreational sports facility fee was passed and the construction of the Activity Center began.
The current Activity Center opened its doors on October 7, 1998, and was definitely the talk of the campus. Students were excited to finally have a place to workout, play and socialize outside of class. However, rapid growth of campus continued and it wasn't long before our community once again outgrew the space. In May of 2005, the Activity Center was expanded with new office space, locker rooms and storage space for athletics. The fitness center was doubled in size, allowing more cardio and free weights for use. A multipurpose room was also added for group fitness classes and to provide practice space for a variety of clubs, cheerleaders and power dancers.
A decade after it was first built, the Activity Center is now home five main areas of Recreational Sports, including Intramurals, Club Sports, Fitness, Aquatics and Informal Recreation. Each of these areas fits within the mission of the university and helps to promote healthy lifestyles while actively engaging students in their leadership and personal development. The Activity Center and Recreational Sports has something for everyone and encourages you to be active.
All students and alumni are invited to a celebration honoring the
Activity Center’s 10 year anniversary!
October 7, 2008
12–2 p.m. and 5-7 p.m.
UT Dallas Activity Center
See then and now pictures of the Activity Center, learn about its history and see what the Activity Center has to offer. Refreshments and door prizes available!
For more information contact the Activity Center at (972) 883-2096. |
