Sign reading 'Renovation Updates' displayed over a row of lockers in the original Student Rec Center locker room.

Renovations Updates

Check back for the latest live blog updates about facility closures and construction

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Thursday, March 27
Three stacked signs with text on a divided background. The top red sign reads "UNDER CONSTRUCTION," the middle gray sign reads "COMING SOON," and the bottom gray sign reads "NOW OPEN.

CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON NEW INDOOR CLIMBING FACILITY, MOCKUPS NOW AVAILABLE

Climbers, this update is for you!

Construction barriers are going up this week as Texas A&m Rec Sports officially begins the complete rebuild of the indoor climbing facility. After almost three decades, the original structure is coming down—but in its place, a brand-new climbing experience is set to open this fall.

The new tower will reach a maximum climbing height of 44 feet, 8 inches, and will feature 25 total roped lanes:

  • 3 slab lanes
  • 5 vertical lanes
  • 13 slight overhang lanes
  • 4 steep lanes for lead climbing only

The design will also include three sport climbing anchor labs to facilitate technical training for climbing outdoors.

“We’re stoked to unveil the incredible new space,” said Outdoor Adventures Program Director Todd Grier. “The world of indoor climbing has evolved since 1995 when the original tower was constructed. We hope Aggie climbers will appreciate the update and modernization.”

Architectural rendering of a spacious modern museum interior featuring large windows, an airy atrium, and visitors interacting with exhibits.
New Indoor Climbing Facility – View from the Student Rec Center Main Entrance
Interior of a modern building with a large climbing wall featuring maroon and grey accents. People are visible in the background, some walking and others using the climbing wall. The setting includes multiple levels with contemporary design elements.
New Indoor Climbing Facility – View from the Original Bouldering Wall
Interior of a spacious gymnasium with climbers on an indoor climbing wall, and others observing from a balcony with maroon railings.
New Indoor Climbing Facility – View from the 2nd Floor facing the Student Rec Center Main Entrance

As for bouldering, you’ve seen a few sneak-peak mockups, but new details on what Aggies should expect once construction concludes are now available.

The new bouldering space will feature 15 feet of climbable terrain above the pad, and about 95 linear feet of bouldering. The design includes up to 41-degree overhang and slab areas to give climbers a variety of challenges. This layout provides more space for social and interactive bouldering sessions.

Both new climbing spaces were designed and will be built by EP Climbing–the same company who designed and built the Olympic climbing walls. The new walls will use EP’s Mozaik system, which offers flat panels for larger holds and volumes. This allows routesetters to create more dynamic and engaging climbs for all skill levels.

Outdoor Adventures staff worked closely with the EP Climbing team to ensure the final design of the indoor climbing facility reflects the various needs and goals of the Texas A&M climbing community. 

Stay tuned for more updates as construction continues. We can’t wait to welcome you to the new wall this fall!

Written by: Claire Frazier

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Tuesday, Mar. 18
Three stacked signs with text on a divided background. The top red sign reads "UNDER CONSTRUCTION," the middle gray sign reads "COMING SOON," and the bottom gray sign reads "NOW OPEN.

Rec Sports unveils plans for locker room renovations, and new climbing spaces

Rec Sports is excited to share mockups of the upcoming locker room renovations and a brand-new bouldering wall.

The men’s and women’s locker rooms will undergo a full renovation, featuring expanded shower and grooming areas. Members and guests can look forward to modernized individual showers, updated vanity and grooming stations, improved lighting, and sleek new flooring.

In addition to these upgrades, the Student Rec Center is expanding its climbing offerings with a new, state-of-the-art bouldering wall in the space currently occupied by racquetball courts one and three. A new climbing wall is also in the works, with mock-ups coming soon.

Interior view of a modern locker room featuring rows of wooden lockers on one side and a concrete wall on the other, with a sign that reads "AGGIES" at the end of the hallway.
Locker Room - Corridor with lockers on either side
Interior view of a modern locker room with individuals at different lockers, featuring wooden walls, black benches, and a minimalist design.
Men's Locker Room - Lockers
A modern locker room interior with two individuals, one by the sinks and another in front a wooden locker. The space features sleek gray and red walls, white countertops, wooden lockers, and a water bottle refill station.
Men's Locker Room - Restroom, Lockers, & Grooming Area
Interior of a modern gym bathroom with three individuals by the sinks and mirrors, and a vertical sign reading "AGGIES".
Men's Locker Room - Showers & Grooming Area
Two people standing in a modern restroom area with white counters and gray tiled walls. On the right are sinks and mirrors, and on the left is a counter with mirrors and blow driers mounted to the wall.
Women's Locker Room - Vanity and Grooming Area
Interior of a modern bathroom featuring multiple sinks, mirrors, and counters, with prominent maroon signage that reads "GIG 'EM." The space has grey and white walls with tiled floor.
Locker Room - Vanity/Grooming Area
A person enters a stall in the new shower area that features multiple white doors and gray tiled walls.
Men's Locker Room - Showers
A modern hallway with light gray walls and a dark gray floor, leading to vertical, maroon lettering reading "AGGIES" at the end of the corridor.
Locker Room - Corridor between updated shower stalls
Interior of a Texas A&M University sports facility room with maroon exterior walls and individuals engaging in various activities such as walking and climbing on the inside.
New Bouldering Wall replacing racquetball courts one and three.
Interior view of a climbing room with individuals engaging in wall climbing. The room features modern design elements and the Texas A&M University logo prominently displayed on the wall.
New Bouldering Wall replacing racquetball courts one and three.

What to Expect During Construction

Renovations will begin at 6am Thursday, March 20, and alternate routes and access will be restricted in certain spaces.

Rec Sports will provide regular updates on facility access and program availability. To stay informed, download the Rec Sports app or join the mailing list.

Details will be posted on this blog. Wayfinding signage will be displayed throughout the Student Rec Center to help members and guests navigate through the construction phase. Maps are available on the Rec Sports website.

Facility Access During Construction

Construction begins at 6am on Thursday, March 20. During this time, patrons must use designated entrances to access different areas of the facility:

South Entrance: (enter through lot 100J)

  • Indoor courts
  • Rooms 301 – 304
  • All Annex rooms
  • Indoor track
  • All pools
  • Backyard

Main Entrance: (Enter through the front doors off Corrington Dr.)

  • Administrative Office Suite
  • Room 243
  • Weight Room
  • Bouldering Wall

Both lobbies, as well as Smoothie King, will remain open. For access to the second and third floors on the main side of the facility, members and guests will need to use designated stairwells. ADA-accessible routes and elevators are highlighted on the facility maps below for convenience.

Student Rec Center | First Floor
Map layout of a student recreation center featuring various rooms including courts, a pool, strength and conditioning room, and operational rooms. Notable areas are marked with a main entrance and a south entrance. Adjacent to the building is a labeled outdoor volleyball court and basketball area. A key for the map indicates entrances, paths, and exits.
Student Rec Center | Second Floor
Floor plan of the Student Rec Center showing various rooms, areas, and pathways including cardio section, seating area, administrative offices, and a natatorium. The map includes a key with symbols for paths, stairs, and construction zones.
Student Rec Center | Third Floor
Map of a student recreation center showing various areas including an indoor track, cardio area, activity rooms labeled 301 to 304, and paths marked as South Entrance Path, Main Entrance Path, and South Entrance Path (Construction Zone). Also notes a bouldering wall and stairwell to 2nd and 3rd floors.

Written by: Claire Frazier

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Wednesday, Feb. 19
Three stacked signs with text on a divided background. The top red sign reads "UNDER CONSTRUCTION," the middle gray sign reads "COMING SOON," and the bottom gray sign reads "NOW OPEN.

Exciting Rec Sports Renovations: Locker Room Updates and What to Expect

Big things are happening at Rec Sports! We have a few renovations in the works to enhance our facilities and your experiences, and this page will be updated regularly with all the latest information.

The first of these is updates to our Men’s and Women’s Locker Rooms. As of Monday, Feb. 17, the Student Rec Center locker rooms are closed and awaiting the start of construction. 

In the meantime, the Men’s and Women’s Visiting Team Locker Rooms on the pool deck of the Natatorium, the Men’s and Women’s Restrooms in the Lap Pool, and the outdoor locker rooms in the Rec Backyard will temporarily be available.

This means that shower space will be limited – Visiting Team Locker Rooms are closed during all Texas A&M Varsity Swim & Dive practices and meets. Visiting Locker Rooms are inaccessible during these times:

  • Monday – Friday: 6am – 9am and 2pm – 7pm
  • Saturday: 7am – 10am and 11:30am – 2pm

Due to the limited access to showers, patrons are encouraged to utilize alternate shower locations at the Polo Road Rec Center, Southside Rec Center, or alternate locations.

More detailed information on specific closures and alternative arrangements will be provided as the start date approaches.

Written by: Claire Frazier