New floors, bleachers, locker rooms and workout equipment are among some of the updated features that greet new and returning students for the first time at IM Sports-West's renovated facility, which opened May 16.
The new $5.5 million facility was renovated because the former building was not up to par, said Lawrence Sierra, director of Intramural Sports and Recreation Services. He added that the equipment was old and out of date.
"We hope that the new facility will bring in more students," Sierra said.
IM Sports-West and IM Sports-East are holding open houses until Thursday and admission will be free during the event. Personal trainers and equipment experts will be on hand during the open house to show students how the equipment works and how to correctly exercise.
"There will be five to 10 times more students coming to work out," IM Sports-West building supervisor Shay Marlowe said. "The new facility exposes students to all we have to offer, not just the weight room. We have all types of clubs to join."
Students who remember the way the facility used to be said they were excited about the changes.
"This place is amazing," psychology junior Patrick Ginka said. "The old facility was a hole in the wall. This one is a lot better."
Regular admission after this week into the fitness rooms only will be $3 per day and $75 for a semester pass, with a $90 per semester fee for admission into various classes and clubs, as well as fitness rooms - an increase from last year's cost of $60 for a semester pass.
"Even though we had to charge, it is a small price to pay and it is lower than any of the gyms in the area, as it should be," Sierra said.
For Ginka, the draw of the new facility was enough to change his mind about other gym memberships.
"I was considering going to Gold's Gym, but now I am coming here," Ginka said. "I like the new equipment, the size and that there is no waiting."
Parking remains a concern for finance senior Julie Scourfield, who never came to IM Sports-West to work out until her friends told her about the revamped facility.
"A lot of people are turned off because there is nowhere to park, especially if you live off campus," Scourfield said. "The prices are reasonable, but I am not sure how often I would come."
Some students said the new features will make the facility more inviting for students.
"This place is great," history freshman John Hoard said. "There is room to move and you don't have to worry about stepping on anyone."
