Back to Student StoriesThe Ultimate Campus REC Guide
It’s so much more than just treadmills
Arizona Wildcats stay active, improve their physical health and well-being – and, gain some practical skill sets and life experiences with the University of Arizona’s Campus Recreation offerings.
There are three recreation centers at the University of Arizona: SouthREC, NorthREC and – the newest – BearDownREC. From workouts, to private classes, club sports and even bike repairs, Campus Recreation offers so much more than what you might expect.
Check out this guide to what we love about each – then, get moving!
Where Are the REC Centers?
1. SouthREC is the really big, window-covered building on 6th Street. It’s got fields on the east side, just south of Arizona Stadium.
2. NorthREC is right next door to the Honors Village, on Mabel Street.
3. BearDownREC is smack dab in the middle of campus, off the mall, in the Bear Down Building (when you walk in, head down the stairs on the right and you’ll see the check-in desk).
See each University of Arizona campus recreation center’s address, and click here to see each REC Center’s hours.
When Is Each REC Center Busiest?
What, you aren’t interested in putting the wait in weight rack? Check out the CampusREC webcams to see how likely it is that a swim lane will be open, a tennis court will be available – or, if there’s a pickup basketball game you can join in on.
Do I Have to Pay for a REC Center Student Membership?
Good news: your student fees already pay for access to all three University of Arizona REC Centers. So the gym? Lift weights at it. The pool? Dive in! The bouldering wall? Climb up it.
However! There are fees and additional passes needed for certain fitness classes and equipment. Costs are very reasonable. It’s about $60 for the entire! semester! to access all group fitness classes including yoga, Pilates, cycling, and the very popular F45.
Are There Pools at CampusREC?
There is one pool – a big one – at SouthREC. It’s Olympic-sized and heated between 81 and 85℉ year-round (niiiice). But just because the water’s warm doesn’t mean the pool isn’t super chill. Grab a lounge chair on sunny Arizona afternoons (wear sunscreen!), hang out in the shallow end lounge area, or pretend you’re Kerr Kriisa at the aquatic basketball hoop. There are multiple 25-yard and 50-yard swimming lanes for the Michael Phelps among us – and, swimming lessons for those of us who want to be Michael Phelps.
Pool Certifications
• Lifeguard
• CPR & First Aid
CampusREC Guided Adventures
Tucson is well-known for its plethora of outdoor activities. Your college town is home to some of the best mountain biking, cycling, rock climbing, and hiking in the country – and we’re not over exaggerating.
All that’s to say: it would be a shame not to get out and explore, and CampusREC makes it easy. They host guided climbs, hikes, and paddling trips, as well as multi-day adventures all across the Southwest.
If you’re planning on an outdoor adventure of your own, check out equipment rentals from CampusREC including tents, headlamps, and camping kitchen gear.
CampusREC Intramural & Club Sports
Sand volleyball, basketball, spikeball, badminton, tennis – cornhole?! There’s an intramural sport for everything and everyone. Fun is the name of the game; all (even us non-athletes) are welcome to join.
Club sports are a little more competitive, but a great opportunity to keep up with a sport you loved in high school or are interested in continuing.
Club Sports at the University of Arizona
• Ballroom dance
• Golf
• Ice hockey
• Rodeo
• Swim
• Synchronized swimming
• Ultimate
• Volleyball
CampusREC Bike Shop
A huge majority of Wildcats get between classes and around campus on their bikes – worry free, thanks to CampusREC. The CampusREC bike shop fixes flat tires, wonky brakes, and will even adjust your bike to fit you perfectly. For any sort of service, ride up to the shop on the Mall in front of the Henry Koffler Building – it’s right next to the bike valet, which is also amazing.
Learn about everything (else) CampusREC offers