A staple of Howdy Week, the event to end all events, Rec-A-Palooza is an annual welcoming party for all students to get to know Rec Sports, from Sport Clubs to Outdoor Adventures. Whether you’re a gym regular or looking for something new, this free and interactive experience is the perfect opportunity to explore our facilities, play games, find photo-ops, compete in challenges, cop some swag, and make friends.

From 1 to 4 pm, Intramural Sports will host Melt Down, a half-court shots competition, and other fun contests. If you’re looking to get involved this semester, Sport Clubs will have 39 different clubs for you to meet and greet. Fitness & Wellness will have boxing, cardio kickboxing, TikTok dancing, and Pilates as a part of their Fitness Row. Aquatics promises you’ll have a ball walking on water with their hamster balls at the pool, and Outdoor Adventures is excited to host crate stacking and Climb with OA. Strength & Conditioning will test your Aggie strength with trainers, and the Operations & Events team will challenge you to Pickleball Mania. To top it all off, the program areas will all be represented in the Rec-A-Palooza obstacle course and employment opportunities.

But it doesn’t end there. As soon as you walk out of the Student Rec Center on Aug. 18 (with free swag and a newfound passion for recreational activity), Free Weeks begins.

Free Weeks are offered so that you can find your home in Rec Sports at no cost. During the first few weeks of the semester, we encourage you to try Adult Learn-To-Swim or every Fitness & Wellness class for free. From small group trainingto specialty classes, Free Weeks allow Aggies to try it all before committing to a recreation routine.

To join the fun, just download the Rec Sports app. For those of you who are just so excited, and I know you all are, there’s more information and a live countdown on the Rec-A-Palooza website. See you soon, Ags!