No.2 Penn State posted a lopsided 38-6 victory over visiting Rutgers Scarlet in an ESPN2 national telecast in sold out Rec Hall.
Photo by Mark SeldersRec Hall
Even though one of the worst winters in Penn State history set initial construction back several months, this state-of-the-art, 400,000 square foot multipurpose building, the Bryce Jordan Center, became reality on January 6, 1996.
Recreation Building or Rec Hall, as it is more commonly known, is Penn State's busiest and most versatile athletics venue
Five varsity teams participate call it home. Located in the heart of the University Park campus, the historic structure hosts events for Nittany Lion men's and women's volleyball, men's and women's gymnastics, and wrestling.
When the construction of Rec Hall was completed in 1928, it was considered one of the premiere field houses in the nation. Originally budgeted at $450,000, the final cost of the building amounted to $572,260. The architect, Charles Z. Klauder, also designed the University of Pennsylvania's Palestra, which was constructed in 1927.
The Colonial Georgian design was thought to "harmonize" with other new structures on campus. The excavating work required the removal of 12,500 cubic yards of earth and 400 cubic yards of rock, most of which had to be dynamited. The structural work consisted of raising 800 tons of steel in the form of assembled trusses. The project employed 250 people.
Rec Hall has been the site of 21 collegiate national championships (NCAA, AIAW and DGWS), 16 international gymnastics meets, 12 NCAA and AIAW women's basketball championship tournament games (in addition to the '76 AIAW Tournament), five National Invitation Tournament games, the first-ever Big Ten men's and women's gymnastics dual championship and scores of eastern regional and conference championship competitions.
Until 1996, Rec Hall also served as the home of Penn State men's and women's basketball. Penn State has won five national championships in Rec Hall: boxing (1929 and 1932), wrestling (1953) and men's gymnastics (1960 and 2007).
Rec Hall Building Info
- Two gymnasiums
- state-of-the-art fitness facilities
- racquetball and squash courts
- indoor track
- Golf nets.
- Please visit the link above to inquire about memberships and hours of operation for our weight room.
To provide Penn State students, faculty and staff with a clean, friendly environment to meet all your athletic needs as well as provide Sporting events and special activities to the surrounding community.
Available Facilities:
- 2 gymnasiums
- 14 racquetball courts
- 10 squash courts
- Indoor Track
- Fitness Center
Building Policy
The gymnasiums in Rec Hall are to be used for Volleyball and Basketball play. All other activities must be approved by building management.
Q- Do you provide lockers while working out?
A - We do provide lockers and towels for PSU Faculty and Staff for an annual fee (information can be obtained in Room 202 from Meghan) The weight room downstairs in Rec Hall does provide free locker storage ONLY while you workout.
Q- Do I need tickets for Rec Hall events? Where do I get them?
A - Students get into the events for free with a PSU ID. Others will have to contact the sports ticket office at 1-800-NITTANY for further information.
Q- Do you have open times for basketball?
A - Check weekly closure schedules posted within the facility.
Q- How do I get a fitness membership?
A - Please visit https://studentaffairs.psu.edu/campus recreation/membership-access
Rec Hall is located along Atherton St. across from the golf course.
Event Parking Nittany parking deck offers close and easily accessible parking for Rec Hall events as does RED A parking lot located off of Atherton St. below the golf course.
Staff
Tara Hohenshelt
Rm #202
Staff Assistant
tmr130@psu.edu
814-863-5963
Cody Ritchey
Rm #144
Building Coordinator
mem5267@psu.edu
814-865-5284
Brian Bickmore
Rm #144
Building Coordinator
bdb5222@psu.edu
814-865-5284
Mary Bolich
Rm #202
Event Coordinator
meb13@psu.edu
814-865-1138
Equipment Room
144 Rec Hall
Monday thru Friday 6:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
865-2723
Ticket info
AEE@psu.edu
865-5555
- Monday thru Friday 6:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Rec Hall will be closed for all Recreation during HOME football game Saturday's. The Hepper Fitness Center will remain open however.
- Recreation hours will also be subject to change during Varsity sporting events at Rec Hall. Recreation use will stop one hour prior to event start time.
- Call 865-FITT for hours or go to psu.edu website for further information