


The facility frequently hosts group classes and instructional courses as well. Though smaller than many of the fitness centers found at big-name Division I schools, the facility features an Olympic sized swimming pool, a co-ed sauna, high-end juice bars, a golf simulator, basketball courts, and even a climbing wall. Even so, the campuses 19,000 square foot fitness center, named after alumnus David Pottruck, is one of the most luxurious such facilities on the east coast. Penn, as it is known, is not often associated with a strong athletic reputation outside of its Ivy League environs. With long hours of operation and a never-ending drive toward expansion of the facility and better organization of its features, SFSU is a serious contender when it comes to student rec centers. The facility also features martial arts practice areas and competition facilities, making it relatively unique among competing recreation centers nationwide. Strength training is the primary focus of this main campus gym, which plays host to both the men’s and women’s NCAA basketball teams. The university calls its student recreation center "Gym 100," referring perhaps to the easy and accessible nature of the gym for students of varying athletic abilities. Though it might not be as well known in athletic circles as major state schools elsewhere in the country, San Francisco State University has a lot of good things going on at its main campus athletic facility. Any list like this is subjective, of course, but here are our 25 favorites. We have tried to look at more than just the one building that might be labeled the student rec center in a typical university, instead considering all the recreation facilities, recreation programming, outdoor facilities, and architecture.
Leonhard rec center full#
With the boom in full swing, and athletic programs taking off at major universities nationwide, it's worth looking at the 25 most amazing student recreation centers that America has to offer. In an era when students are more mobile and discerning than ever, university officials have gone on a major building boom that has seen designer dorms, stunning libraries, and amazing recreation centers characterize campuses across the country. In recent years, universities have come to the realization that their academic prestige alone is not enough to attract the world's top students, athletes, and overall academic participants.
