With the recent announcement that U‑M is planning to build Housing facilities on the Elbel Field site, plans are already underway to relocate the Recreational Sports fields, sand volleyball courts, and the Adventure Education Trips & Rental Center to other campus locations. More details will be shared as those plans develop.
Plans to replace the CCRB are underway!
Exciting News! With the approval from the Regents on March 24, 2022, the replacement of the CCRB is back on track. The new facility will be built on the same site as the CCRB. The demolition of the existing CCRB is scheduled to begin in January 2023 and the new facility is estimated to be completed in Summer 2025.
We are also happy to announce that despite challenges created during the pause in the project, the originally planned scope has not been reduced. The new 200,000-square-foot recreation facility will include:
The current CCRB will close Friday, December 9, 2022 at 9pm. The new facility’s total demolition and construction period is expected to be about 2 ½ years. The new facility is currently scheduled to be completed in time for the Fall 2025 semester.
Yes, all U‑M students and Recreational Sports members will continue to have access to the Intramural Sports Building and the North Campus Recreation Building. In addition, a temporary recreation facility has been constructed on Palmer Field that will open Friday, January 20 at 11:00am . There will also be some limited lap swimming opportunities at Canham Natatorium.
The temporary recreation facility on Palmer Field is a 23,000 sq. ft. enclosed, fabric-structure that will provide students and Recreational Sports members with 57 cardio stations, 42 free weight stations, 30 selectorized strength stations, a fitness room for Group‑X classes and a small running and walking track. The hours of the temporary facility have not yet been determined but will be announced in January 2023. The available grass space for outdoor activities on Palmer Field will be reduced by about 50%. Access to the remainder of the open grass space will be maintained and will be able to accommodate informal outdoor activities.
Yes, the temporary facility will be heated and air conditioned.
The temporary facility is planned to have a limited number of single-stall shower rooms and restrooms available. There will be 348 daily use lockers available at the entrance and in the shower area at no cost. Permanent, rentable lockers will not be available in the temporary facility?
A swimming pool is available for use at the North Campus Recreation Building. Students and Recreational Sports members will also have access to Canham Natatorium Monday – Friday from 11am – 1pm for drop-in swimming during the winter semester. This time is subject to change based on Michigan Athletics special event needs throughout the year. Notifications will be posted on the Rec Sports app and website.
Gymnasium courts are available at the North Campus Recreation Building and the Intramural Sports Building.
Squash courts are available at the North Campus Recreation Building. Racquetball Courts are available at the North Campus Recreation Building and the Intramural Sports Building.
Additional Group‑X classes will be scheduled at the Intramural Sports Building, the North Campus Recreation Building and the Temporary Recreation Facility on Palmer Field.
Your membership will continue to provide you with access to all other Recreational Sports facilities throughout the construction of the new facility. You will maintain access to the Intramural Sports Building, and the North Campus Recreation Building, as well as get access to the Temporary Recreation Facility on Palmer Field. If using the available Recreational Sports facilities does not work for you, you can choose to cancel or forgo the renewal of your non-student membership.
No, the University Unions/Recreational Student Fee provides financial support for the group of recent renovation and construction projects that have included the Michigan Union, Fireside Cafe at Pierpont Commons, Intramural Sports Building, the North Campus Recreation Building, Mitchell Field, and the new facility to replace the Central Campus Recreation Building. The fee is not contingent upon access to any particular facility.
In addition to the NCRB pool, U‑M students and Recreational Sports members will have access to Canham Natatorium Monday – Friday from 11am – 1pm for drop-in swimming during the winter semester. This time is subject to change based on Michigan Athletics special event needs throughout the year. Notifications will be posted on the Rec Sports app and website.
Be sure to bookmark this page and check back for project updates and additional FAQs.
Something remarkable is happening at the NCRB.
The NCRB underwent a 16-month renovation that adds modern infrastructure and architectural updates, natural lighting, air conditioning and other features to enhance students’ and members’ overall recreation experience.
These include:
Other highlights include racquetball and squash courts — featuring adjustable walls — and a resurfaced running track. Windows in the second floor cardio space will allow for breathtaking views of the wooded North Campus grounds.
See our detailed maps and our full list of parking options around our facilities and fields, including details for handicapped parking and our temporary locations.
The total cost of the NCRB renovation is $17 million. Funding comes from a student fee applied to all current U‑M students, along with additional funding from University Central Equity; Athletics; Logistics, Transportation & Parking; and Student Life.
All Recreational Sports and University Unions renovations are partially funded by the $65/semester fee that each student pays upon registration.
Throughout the planning process, we received feedback from several student organizations, including:
In addition, we collected feedback from current users and faculty and staff groups.
IMSB renovation provides the ultimate workout.
After a long-awaited 17-month renovation, the Intramural Sports Building officially reopened on Wednesday, September 28, 2016.
The building, originally built in 1928, boasts many contemporary features while maintaining its historical architectural features. Inside there are more than 200 new pieces of cardio and strength equipment, group fitness and personal training space, racquetball courts, new locker rooms and spacious social lounges.
Fully air-conditioned and flooded with natural light, the Intramural Sports Building has been transformed into a facility designed for a modern workout and place to enjoy with friends and colleagues.
With our ongoing renovations, we understand you might have questions regarding the project, membership, lockers and Recreational Sports activites. Let us help! We’re happy to meet with you one-on-one to answer your individual questions. Fill out the form and we will be in touch soon—we appreciate your interest.