Project Overview
Recreation is excited to embark on an expansion of our RIMAC facility that will greatly enhance the recreation and fitness experience for UC San Diego students and REC members. We will begin construction in August of 2025, with work slated to be completed by late 2026 or early 2027. RIMAC will remain open during construction, with all of our services and programs being offered as usual. The project is funded through reserves and debt service, with no additional cost from students.
This project will add approximately 20,000 square feet of usable recreation space, including cardio equipment areas, more resistance and weight training space, an additional bouldering wall, and climbing walls — measuring 43 feet tall with eight lanes of top rope — and much more.
The expansion will further deepen the student experience by maximizing program opportunities for students and REC members, while the open-air architecture design will elevate a sense of wellness by connecting to nature and leveraging outdoor spaces. The construction includes passive design strategies, such as natural ventilation and the use of daylight, to contribute to a LEED gold facility. The new look of RIMAC will forge a campus hub to strengthen the UC San Diego student community for years to come.
Construction begins August 2025.
Equipment in new RIMAC
Q: What new fitness equipment will be included in the RIMAC expansion?
A: Recreation will invest in strength and cardio equipment for the new RIMAC expansion spaces. Purchasing will be completed to coincide with the facility opening, which is slated for late 2026.
Entrance
Q: Where is RIMAC entrance while under construction?
A: The temporary entrance during construction will be on the north side of RIMAC, accessed via the walkway that leads to LionTree Arena.
Funding
Q. Who's paying for the RIMAC expansion?
A. The project is funded through reserves and debt service, with no additional cost to students.
Open while under construction
Q. Will RIMAC be open during construction?
A. YES! RIMAC will be fully operational throughout this project, including all programs and services! The main lobby and entrance will be closed during construction, so please plan to follow the signage to access the building on the north side (toward the softball field).
Climbing at Canyonview
Q. What's going to happen to the Outback Climbing Center at Canyonview?
A. Outback Climbing Center will remain open during RIMAC construction. We will review new programmatic options for the Climbing Center after the expansion opens.
