Campus News

UAlbany Begins Recreation & Convocation Center Renovations

(September 10, 2004)

Renovations to the Recreation and Convocation Center (RACC) have begun, and the $1.5 million improvement is expected to be completed by November 30, announced UAlbany Director of Athletics and Recreation Lee McElroy.

The RACC�s three playing surfaces, located on the arena level, will be completely changed over to Robbins biochannel flooring, plus a new synthetic surface will cover the 170-meter indoor track. In addition, the facility�s sound system, wiring, and telecommunications and data will be upgraded. Bunkoff General Contractors, Inc., of Latham, and McBain Electric, Inc., of Troy, are handling the project.

The University opened the RACC, an $11 million multi-purpose facility, in the spring of 1992. The RACC is the home for UAlbany�s men�s and women�s basketball teams. The 5,000-seat arena also serves as a major venue for Capital Region community events and University activities.

�The upgrade to the centerpiece of our current athletic complex is in keeping with the University�s commitment to Division I intercollegiate athletics and a recreation program for all students,� McElroy said. �All students, faculty and staff, as well as the community, will benefit from the improvements.�

Over the next three months, the RACC�s fitness center, locker rooms, racquetball/ handball courts, and other areas will continue to keep regular hours. The RACC arena�s upper-level walking track will be closed. The University Bubble, which will house two full-sized basketball courts, and University Gymnasium will be used to accommodate recreation and intramurals.