University Recreation Center

  • Location: Birmingham, AL
  • Opened: May 2005
  • Term: 2012– Present
  • Size: 152,000 SF
  • Cost: $24 M

CENTERS at University of Alabama at Birmingham

Overview

In 2005, the University of Alabama at Birmingham opened the $24 million University Recreation Center and operated it with an internal university department. By 2011, however, UAB identified the need to seek external management expertise to improve operational efficiencies and cost savings while still implementing innovative student-led programs and services. CENTERS was selected to comprehensively manage University Recreation and all programs and facilities.  To ensure a smooth transition, a start-up team of executives, management, accounting, and human resources was deployed immediately upon notification. In addition, CENTERS’ staff trained all new and existing personnel, developed operating procedures and financial reporting tools, created a marketing plan, and improved financial protocols and the bottom line. In the fall of 2018, CENTERS opened a new $2.8M Intramural and Club Sports Field Complex which made a huge impact on the student experience for an urban campus.

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Facility Facts

  • 152,000 GSF
  • 4-Court Gymnasium
  • 4-lane Jogging Track
  • 17,000 SF Fitness & Weight
  • 4 Group Fitness Studios
  • Functional Training Studio
  • 4-lane lap pool with vortex, informal leisure pool, & river
  • 3 Racquetball Courts
  • 1 Racquetball/Squash Court
  • Wellness Suite including Massage Therapy, Nutritionist and Instructional Kitchen
  • Fitness Assessment Room
  • Multi-Purpose Room
  • Wet Classroom
  • Outdoor Recreation
  • Climbing & Bouldering Wall
  • Game Room
  • Athletic Training

Kaitlyn Freeman, Director

Ms. Freeman is responsible for providing leadership to Campus Recreation staff, programs, operations, and facilities at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Prior to becoming Director, she served in a variety of roles at UAB including Associate Director of Operations, Associate Director of Facility and Guest Services, Assistant Director of Operations, and Coordinator of Facility Operations. She began her career at UAB as a Graduate Assistant in Fitness and Wellness following her undergraduate internship.

Ms. Freeman is a two-time graduate of UAB, holding a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology and a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology.

K+
Daily Visits
M+
Savings w/ CENTERS Mgmt
M+
Annual Revenues
“The CENTERS approach and team have been instrumental in the revitalization and exponential growth of the university recreation program at UAB. Additionally, the CENTERS team at UAB have been fully engaged in the re-establishment of a dynamic cutting-edge division of Student Affairs.”
M. Jacob Baggott, Former Assistant Vice President, Student Health and Wellbeing
University of Alabama at Birmingham