SJSU Media Relations contact:

Pat Harris, 408-924-1748, pat.harris@sjsu.edu

SAN JOSE, CA – San Jose State University will begin construction in November on the Spartan Recreation and Aquatic Center, a project designed to greatly modernize recreational facilities and services for students and the entire university community.

“The Spartan Recreation and Aquatic Center was envisioned for and by students. It’s a huge undertaking, and one that we are proud to present as we seek to support our students with excellent facilities and services inside the classroom and out,” said Charlie Faas, vice president for administration and finance.

Gensler is the architect. Hunt Construction is the general contractor. The 128,000-square-foot structure will soon rise in place of the existing Aquatic Center and two residence halls (Hoover and Royce), originally constructed in 1988 and 1960, respectively.

“The new Spartan Recreation and Aquatic Center will bring to campus a centralized space to stay active, healthy, and take part in recreational activities alongside your peers. I am excited to know that construction will begin soon as I really feel like this new space will make a student’s time here more fulfilling,” said Héctor Perea, Associated Students of SJSU president and Student Union of SJSU board member.

The Student Union manages and maintains major facilities, including the Student Union building, Event Center and SRAC. Students make up a majority of its board.

Here’s what students will find when the SRAC opens in spring of 2019:

An indoor running track, three full courts for basketball, volleyball and badminton courts, a multipurpose activity court and a rock climbing and bouldering area.

Two outside decks, an outdoor 50-meter competitive lap pool with diving platforms, and a separate, large recreational pool.

Four different workout spaces with cardio equipment, selectorized fitness equipment, free weight equipment and functional fitness equipment.

A functional fitness studio, spinning studio and two aerobic fitness studios for various types of classes.

Two large locker rooms, two gender-inclusive changing and shower rooms, offices and locker rooms for athletic teams and coaches and community locker rooms with a separate entrance.

Two large social space areas with plenty of data and power outlets.

Enrolled students will have access to the SRAC at no cost. The SRAC will also serve intramural, club and NCAA Division I athletics teams. In addition, memberships will be sold to faculty, staff, alumni and community members.

A mandatory student fee separate from tuition will fund the $130 million project. The fee will cover bond financing for construction costs, routine maintenance, and major capital projects in the years to come.

The fee was presented and approved in 2006 to fund three projects: the Student Union building renovation and expansion, completed this year; the Student Wellness Center, completed in 2015; and the SRAC.

The Student Union conducted a feasibility study, organized focus groups, and made numerous presentations across campus to earn approval for the fee. The current plan was verified in a fall 2014 survey of the student body.

Focus groups and the Student Union continue to provide input on the architectural design, interior design and layout of the SRAC, including equipment choice and placement.

About San José State University

The founding campus of the 23-campus California State University system, San José State provides a comprehensive university education, granting bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in 250 areas of study – offered through its eight colleges.

With more than 35,000 students and nearly 4,370 employees, San José State University continues to be an essential partner in the economic, cultural and social development of Silicon Valley and the state, annually contributing more than 7,000 graduates to the workforce.

The university is immensely proud of the accomplishments of its more than 220,000 alumni, 60 percent of whom live and work in the Bay Area.