Insiders View of the “RAC”
Wednesday, April 15th, 2009
For years, the old PE Building went practically unnoticed — a dated building sitting all alone on a hill outside Patriot Circle. But after significant gutting and remodeling, as well as a significant addition that more than doubles the building’s previous size, the new “RAC” (Recreation and Athletic Complex) has turned into the place to be.
With the addition, the RAC features a third gymnasium, two new racquetball courts, two squash courts and a two-story fitness area including more than 100 new cardio machines and 50 weight lifting machines . Plus, all of the locker rooms, bathrooms and showers are completely remodeled.
The new gym will be the competition venue for wrestling and volleyball. Retractable bleacher seats seating approximately 1,500 are currently being installed. As for the other two gyms, the floor of the Linn Gym was refinished, and the Cage Gym was renovated with a special floor for wrestling and indoor hockey.
Mason’s intercollegiate volleyball, tennis and wrestling programs, in addition to the intramural and club sports, will all be housed under the new roof. And there is also office space for the ROTC and the School of Recreation, Health and Tourism.
Mickey McDade, Mason’s senior associate athletic director, says the RAC will have a soft opening on August 1 to “work out any kinks” before the fall semester begins. Plans for a grand opening in early September are currently under way.
It is not yet determined whether or not the RAC will be open to anyone and everyone (non-students would pay a memebership fee) or just students.