The $37.5 million facility includes a 14,000-square-foot exercise and weight facility with more than 85 pieces of cardio equipment and 22 treadmills; six basketball courts; a multi-activity court for indoor soccer and floor hockey; racquetball courts; aerobics studios; and facilities for fitness evaluations. A 1/10-mile walking and jogging track will overlook the weight room.

Other features include a second weight and cardio facility; a lighted, artificial-turf field for recreational use and physical education classes; an indoor golf simulator; classrooms and a gaming area featuring Xbox and PlayStation video stations.

Funding for the center is coming from private donors and from a $98 per semester student fee proposed and endorsed by UofL’s Student Government Association.

The first UofL building to be heated and cooled with geothermal energy, the center is expected to earn gold certification through the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program.