Rec-A-Palooza
SUNDAY, AUG. 23 | 1PM – 3:30PM | STUDENT REC CENTER
It’s a party at the Rec, and you’re invited! Join us for Rec-A-Palooza, a facility-wide celebration welcoming new and returning Aggies to Texas A&M University! This free and interactive event is filled with activities to help you explore the possibilities of a healthy lifestyle. Whether you’re a gym regular or looking to try something new, Rec Sports is the place for you! Rec-A-Palooza will feature games and challenges from each of our program areas. There is no better place to mingle this Howdy Week than at Rec-A-Palooza!
But the celebration doesn’t stop once Rec-A-Palooza ends! Beginning the first week of school, Rec Sports will offer Free Weeks, where you can start your recreation routine at no cost. During the first two weeks of the semester, various program areas will be hosting their classes for free! Stop by one of our free programs for a chance to win free swag and more!
Download the Rec Sports App
You MUST download the Rec Sports app to enter into Rec-A-Palooza.
DOWNLOAD THE REC SPORTS APPEvent Booths
These are the event booths from 2025 Rec-A-Palooza, offering a preview of what to expect in 2026.
CREATE | STACK | WIN
Test your strength & balance through crate stacking. Highest number crates stacked will win you a prize.
WHEEL OF ADVENTURES
Learn more about all that OA has to offer. Spin the wheel and win a prize from Outdoor Adventures!
JOIN THE TEAM: SPORT CLUBS SHOWCASE
Make your move! Stop by Sport Club Station and interact with some of the Rec Sports Sport Clubs to get information on how YOU can get involved this Fall.
PICKLEBALL MANIA
Play, participate and win! Stop and test your aiming skills, staff will toss or serve a pickleball return the shot in one of the targets and win a prize!
DISCOVER YOUR FIT
Join us at this high-energy event with mini workouts from the hottest new fitness formats. Whether you’re into pilates, dance, yoga, or boxing — this is your chance to sample a variety of classes, all in one place. Bring your friends, meet our top nationally certified instructors, and explore what moves you. No pressure, no commitment — just fun, sweat, and community!
WALKING ON WATER
Get a fresh perspective by rolling across the water at the natatorium! Jump into an inflatable ball and walk on water with Aquatics for a fun and unique experience!
BACKYARD BONANZA
Join us for Rec-A-Palooza, featuring the new Backyard Bonanza area with snowcones, swimming, mini games, volleyball, and more. Whether you’re looking to cool off with a refreshing treat, play basketball in the pool, or enjoy a friendly game of volleyball, there’s something for everyone. Come hang out, meet new people, and come enjoy the bonanza!
AGGIE FITNESS CHALLENGE
Work with our nationally certified personal trainers to improve your form in our Deadlift Workshop. Test your highest vertical with our Vertical Jump Test and push your power output in the SkiErg Test for top watts — all for a chance to win a prize!
INTRAMURAL MADNESS
All YOU do is WIN! Come shoot your (half court) shot and enter to win a FREE Intramural Sports Play Pass. While you’re there, learn about all the Intramural Sports that will be offered during the school year.
MELT DOWN
Keep your balance and stay standing! Jump and duck your way to victory and win bragging rights against all of your friends.
HIRING HALL
Walk through the Hiring Hall at Rec-A-Palooza to explore on-campus job opportunities with the largest student employer on campus! Meet our team, learn about open positions, and find out how you can join a fun, dynamic work environment right here at Rec Sports.
Event Map
COMING SOON!
Rec Sports is Hiring
As the largest student employer on campus, Rec Sports is proud to offer employment, leadership, and development opportunities to students like you! With over 1,000 student employees across the department, Rec Sports puts over $2 million back into the hands of students!
After graduation, many student employees of Rec Sports go on to become leaders in a variety of job sectors, demonstrating excellence in states across the country. To begin the next stage of your professional development and join the Rec Sports team.
Learn MoreFAQ’S
Rec-A-Palooza is an annual welcoming party for all new and returning Aggies. It is our way to introduce you to Rec Sports, the home of all things recreation! At Rec-A-Palooza, you can enjoy a collection of games and activities while mingling with fellow Aggies! In addition, you can meet professionals from our many program areas to learn about Aquatics, Fitness, Intramural Sports, Outdoor Adventures, Sport Clubs, Strength & Conditioning, and more!
All students can show up to Rec-A-Palooza! Whether you are an incoming freshman or a graduate student, there is something for everyone at Rec Sports!
Absolutely! We welcome all students enrolled at Texas A&M to stop by and see the sheer variety of offerings under the Department of Recreational Sports. We promise you’ll find something that’ll pique your interest!
Not at all! All you need to do is drop by on event day to enjoy one of the biggest events of Howdy Week!
Yep! It’s a party, and you’re invited!
Sponsorship Opportunities
If you are interested in partnering with Rec Sports for 2025 Rec-A-Palooza, please contact:
Haylie Zavodny
Program Director, Development & Sponsorships
hzavodny@rec.tamu.edu
(979) 845-6457