Sept. 2, 2009

FAIRFAX, Va. - The George Mason athletic department joined the campus community as a whole in celebrating the grand opening of the University's newest athletic facility, the Recreation and Athletic Complex. Mason faculty and staff joined students and others in opening the new building, a complete renovation and expansion of the prior Physical Education Building.

"We're very excited about the opening of the newest athletic facility on campus, and we're looking forward to the RAC becoming a major center of activity for Mason athletics and the campus community," said assistant vice president and director of athletics Tom O'Connor.

The 120,000-square foot Recreation and Athletic Complex boasts three gymnasiums, two racquetball courts, two squash courts, and a two story fitness gallery that spans over 15,000 square feet. The facility is home to the Patriots volleyball and wrestling teams, along with intramural and club sports, ROTC, as well as classroom and offices for the School of Recreation, Health and Tourism.

Mason's athletic teams compete in the RAC Gym, with seating for 1,550 and featuring a state of the art sound system and a second story viewing area. The existing John Linn Memorial Gymnasium was renovated for student use, and there is an additional gymnasium located on the second level. Adjacent to the fitness and strength areas is a juice bar and lounge.

For more information, including hours of operation, please visit the RAC homepage at http://recsports.gmu.edu/rac.