The University of Mississippi’s new state-of-the-art recreation facility is slated to open its doors later this month.

The South Campus Recreation Center will open on Aug. 28, two days into the fall semester. The center is at the former Whirlpool property off Chucky Mullins Drive, south of Highway 6.

The new facility will feature nearly 100,000 square feet of workout space, including a large functioning training zone and an indoor climbing wall. There will also be 25,000 square feet of fitness space, fitness studios, basketball courts, a multi-activity court and other amenities.

Services for wellness education, outdoor programming and personal training will also be provided at the center. There will be two fields for intramural and club sports and informal recreation adjacent to the facility. A sidewalk will link the center to the South Campus Rail Trail.

“The opening of the South Campus Recreation Center signals our university’s continued commitment to students’ health and wellness,” said Brandi Hephner LaBanc, vice chancellor for student affairs. “The new facility finally balances the appropriate square footage to our student enrollment – more students will have consistent and convenient access to fitness opportunities. The facility also allows our Campus Recreation staff to provide a larger offering of recreation opportunities.”

The SCRC will also be the home of the William Magee Center for Wellness Education. named in honor of Ole Miss graduate William Magee, who died of an accidental overdose after his graduation. The Magee Center will open Sept. 6.

Since 1983 when the University’s already-existing recreation center, the Turner Center, enrollment has more than doubled and the facility has proven to not be big enough for the demand. The Turner Center will remain open and both facilities will offer recreation and wellness services to students, faculty, staff and the community.

“The William Magee Center is going to be right there, front and center, in the main entrance,” Peter Tulchinsky, directer of campus recreation, said. “Students will have to pass it on their way into the building. I think it’s going to bring a lot more attention to wellness services as well as the importance we place on the well-being of our students.”

The center will celebrate its opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 28.

Rates to become a member at the facility will remain the same as the Turner Center. To see the rates and sign up for a membership, visit campusrec.olemiss.edu/membership-opportunities/.