Welcome to the Future
ATU Student Union & Recreation Center
Let’s talk about how we got here. Arkansas Tech discovered a need to create a space where everyone could come together and collaborate. The answer to this need is the Student Union and Recreation Center. This addition to the campus is set to be completed in 2025. This nearly 95,000 square foot facility will have something for everyone, see a detailed list below. It is designed to be built on the same lot that the W. O. Young Building previously occupied and is expected to cost around $49.3 million. If you have any questions about this new building please fill out the form at the bottom of this page.
Please note: These plans are not final and are subject to change.
Gaming
The Union will be a gamer's paradise. A brand new esports facility will have all of the latest and greatest gaming gear to make sure that our esports can thrive. But it’s not just esports. Anybody can get their game on in the recreational gaming lounge, where we encourage you to let loose and have a good time.
Study & Lounge
After a long day of classes, we understand that all you want to do is kick back and relax. That is why the Union is equipped with multiple lounge areas designated for students to just chill. You can also utilize these areas to tackle some studying, but if the lounges aren’t quiet enough for you, you can completely focus in the designated study rooms.
Fitness
A healthy mindset and lifestyle go hand in hand, so the Union offers all students the opportunity to make use of the fitness equipment available. Enjoy the many benefits such as group fitness classes, yoga and other group classes, fully equipped strength training facilities, and even an indoor jogging track.
94,802-square feet comes with so much:
- Welcome Desk
- Living Room Lounge
- Quiet Lounge
- Gaming Lounge
- Dining Area
- Lockers for Commuters
- Laundry Room
- Cardio and Free Weights Gym
- Group Fitness Studio
- Indoor Jogging Track
- Multi Purpose Courts
- Multi Purpose Activity Gym
- Outdoor Adventure and Bike Repair
- Food Service
- Event Space
- Large Multi-Purpose Room
- Meditation Room
- Seminar Room
- Study/Group Study Nooks
- Esports/Team Lounge
- Student Organization Offices
- First Aid Room
- and more!
A New Perspective
Click through the gallery of images to see some architect renderings of what the space could look like.
The Possibilities Are Endless
So let’s focus on the reality. And that reality is looking pretty incredible.
FAQ
We know you have questions, so let’s see if we can get those answered.
Q1: How is the new Student Union being funded?
Of the estimated $49.3 million cost of construction, Arkansas Tech University is committing $15.6 million in unrestricted reserves to support the project. The balance of the resources needed to complete the project would come from the sale of revenue bonds, which would be paid over a period of 30 years through the student union and recreation center fee paid by in-person students at ATU in Russellville.
Q2: Will I be able to use the recreation center?
The fitness and recreation center will be available to all in-person students at ATU in Russellville. Faculty and staff will also have access upon payment of a small fee.
Q3: I’m part of a student organization and we don’t have anywhere to meet. Will there be a space for that?
Yes. The new student union will have space specifically for student organizations of all sizes to host meetings and gather.
Q4: When will the new student union be open?
ATU plans to break ground in the spring of 2023 and have the building completed by 2025.
Q5: What’s the difference between this student union and the one we already have in the Hull Building?
The design schematic for the new student union borrows some of the best ideas from similar facilities around the country and leans heavily upon feedback that ATU students provided in planning sessions with the project architects. ATU’s student union and recreation center will include space for a campus living room/lounge, individual and group fitness activities, two basketball courts, outdoor recreation, a café, events at multiple scales, student organizations, food service, a convenience store/spirit shop, a multi-activity court and multi-purpose meeting rooms. The long-term plan for the current union at the Hull Building is for it to become a conference center available to internal and external constituents.
Still have questions?
Please submit your question through this form, and someone will respond with an answer.
