UT Arlington’s new activities center - The “MAC” - gets ready to open

by PegNews wire

The University of Texas at Arlington will open Phase I of the new Maverick Activities Center in a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday, September 18.

ARLINGTON—The University of Texas at Arlington will open Phase I of the new Maverick Activities Center—the MAC—in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 18, on the grounds of the new facility, 500 W. Nedderman St.

The $34.5 million MAC is part of President James D. Spaniolo’s Student Life Initiative. As such, it was funded with bond proceeds, which will be repaid over 30 years with funds from the campus recreation fee. In 2005, students passed a referendum to increase this fee to fund the improvements. That fee will start being paid once the center opens. Beyond that, memberships will continue to be available to alumni, faculty, staff and the community.

To view a picture gallery of the new MAC, click here .

Phase II of the MAC will open by February/March 2008. Once finished, it will boast approximately 190,000 square feet. It includes a 20,000 square-foot weight and fitness room (with more than 80 pieces of cardio equipment, three circuit training units and a free weight area); four multipurpose rooms to accommodate yoga, martial arts, aerobics and more; five indoor basketball courts; eight volleyball courts; indoor soccer gymnasium; two indoor tracks; six racquetball courts; 10 badminton courts; a gaming area; a ‘social corridor’ with group seating, activity viewing and more; an internet café (wired and wireless connection) with a juice bar; men's and women's health club-style locker rooms; Wellness Resource Center conference rooms; membership services; convenient parking and much more.

Source: UTA