The doors to a new Rec Center in the Tri-Towers Rotunda officially opened Tuesday afternoon for students who live on-campus. 

Located on the second floor of the Rotunda in the Tri-Towers residence hall complex, the brand new workout and exercise facility was packed with people and teeming with energy.

As upbeat music harmonized with the clang of machines, freshman zoology major Erin Walters was lifting free weights on an inclined bench.

“I think it’s really nice,” Walters said. “It’s more convenient than having to walk over to the actual Rec.”

Taylor Donovan, a freshman visual communication major, said she sees the Tri-Rec as an easier-to-access and more convenient option, as well.

“It’s easier access … and this semester, I’m trying to get out to the Rec every day if I can,” she said.

The facility is part of a larger renovation that includes a new tutoring classroom and a new, larger laundry room.

Brian Hellwig, assistant director of residential communities, said the laundry room will serve as a centralized location for Tri-Tower residents to do laundry. 

On-campus residents will have exclusive access to the workout space, which will be open seven days a week.

The space is meant to be a more casual alternative for students who may find the main Rec Center overwhelming, Rufra said.

On Mondays through Thursdays the facility will be open from 8 a.m. until 11 p.m., Fridays from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m.

Andrew Atkins is an assigning editor and Nicholas Hunter is a general assignment reporter.