Spirits were high as University officials, former student leaders, donors, and friends gathered on a cold and snowy February 26 to celebrate the opening of the much-anticipated George S. Eccles Student Life Center. Inside the 183,000-square-foot, $50.5 million building, students were already swimming laps in the 50-meter pool, working out in the expansive areas for cardio and weight training, and gripping their way to the top of the four-story climbing wall.
Guests met in the Steve and June Nebeker Legacy Gym to hear from those who have been involved with the project since the idea emerged nearly a decade ago, including Neela Pack, former ASUU president, who led the fundraising charge for the center in 2011-12. Rather than a traditional ribbon cutting, dignitaries kicked soccer balls into a goal as the Utah Pep Band played a rousing rendition of the Utah Fight Song—bringing guests to their feet to sing along.
A $3 million grant from the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation led the private fundraising campaign for the project, which also included early $1 million leadership gifts from Kem and Carolyn Gardner and the University Federal Credit Union.
“For us, the most compelling aspect of the center is that it’s been student-led from the very beginning,” says Spencer F. Eccles, chairman and chief executive officer of the Eccles Foundation. “The students have been the engine driving this project, and they have remained passionate, determined, and unflinching in their commitment to its success.”
“Our foundation jumped on board with the students more than six years ago to begin the center’s design and planning,” adds Lisa Eccles, president of the Eccles Foundation and U trustee. “We share their excitement about this incredible addition to our beloved alma mater. We certainly didn’t have anything like this when I was a student here!”
Campuses across the country with student recreation centers have seen improvements in student grade point averages, retention and graduation rates, and recruitment efforts. In fact, research indicates that participation in university recreation programs correlates positively with overall college satisfaction and success.
Supported in part by a new $60-per-semester student fee, the balance of the building was funded through private gifts and faculty/staff use fees. The facilities will be available first and foremost to students, with faculty and staff use limited to those who purchase a membership.
“We couldn’t be more excited or more pleased for our students and the entire campus community, or more appreciative of the generosity of the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation and our other generous funding partners,” says U President David W. Pershing, “The positive impact this center will make throughout the University cannot be overstated.”
Amenities in the facility include an indoor running track, two racquetball courts, three basketball courts, a multi-sport gym, three pools, exercise classrooms, massage therapy, and a café. Campus Recreation Services staff operates the center, where it manages a fitness program, intramural sports, sport clubs, and the Outdoor Adventures program. Located at the west end of the George S. Eccles 2002 Legacy Bridge and adjacent to the Fort Douglas TRAX stop, the facility will be open year-round, seven days a week. It already is attracting an average of 3,500 people each day.
Additional details may be found online at campusrec.utah.edu.
