University Recreation Center officially opens its doors

On Wednesday, Jan. 8, UNC Charlotte opened the University Recreation Center (UREC). Chancellor Philip L. Dubois and University leaders, faculty, staff, students, alumni, public officials, community partners and friends participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony that officially opened the 148,000-square-foot building that is the first and only campus facility dedicated solely to health and recreation. UREC offers members of the campus community multiple levels of dedicated fitness and recreation space designed to steer users toward a lifetime of healthy habits.

“Our campus now has significant space for individual exercise and group fitness,” said Dubois. “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 that they will need to be successful after completing their degrees.”

The opening of this state-of-the-art facility represents the growth and development of the University under Dubois’s leadership. It joins several other capital projects completed during his 15-year tenure, which will conclude on June 30 with his announced retirement. As chancellor, Dubois has led the largest facility construction and renovation program in UNC Charlotte’s history, exceeding $1.2 billion.

As the new campus hub for health, recreation and wellness, UREC responds to the demand for dedicated recreation and fitness space, while providing a centralized location for students to focus on building healthy minds and bodies. UREC expands and enhances UNC Charlotte’s recreational offerings to provide an extensive wellness experience for every member of Niner Nation, regardless of their physical ability.

“Without a doubt, this new University Recreation Center will enhance the campus experience for UNC Charlotte students,” said Chandler Crean, student body president. “As a Niner Guide for the Admissions Office, I can’t wait to include this facility in my campus tours and see the look on prospective students’ faces when they see the top-notch campus resources available to them.”

Student Government Association leaders, beginning in 2012, advocated for the construction of a dedicated recreational facility. At that time, University leaders began planning how best to structure student fees to fund the 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 constructed without additional debt fees for students. However, a modest operational fee, phased in over the past five years, has resulted in a net additional annual recreational fee of $50 for students.

Did you know?

• UREC membership is available to a wide range of University constituents, including students, faculty, staff, alumni and more.
• 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 are eligible for memberships at the rate of $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.
• Members have access to personal training services and swim lessons for an additional fee.
• Five reasons to check out the new University Recreation Center.

Want more?

Visit urec.charlotte.edu for more information about the facility, hours of operation, classes and grand opening events.