On September 28, 2020, the Nicholas Recreation Center opened to the UW-Madison community. Replacing the SERF (Southeast Recreational Facility), the Nick is the first major building project of the Master Plan. Named in honor of the late Albert “Ab” Nicholas, his wife Nancy, and the Nicholas Family, the Nick is home to over 30,000 square feet of fitness space, 8 courts, 5 studios, an Olympic-sized pool, and much more.
During its first semester open, we saw more than 4,000 daily entries while operating at 25% capacity. The facility will help advance our mission and vision of moving Badgers to play hard, get fit, and live well.
To learn more about making a gift, please contact Recreation & Wellbeing Director Aaron Hobson at aaron.hobson@wisc.edu. For donation opportunities for the New Natatorium slated to open in 2023, please visit here.
LOWER LEVEL
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1. Power House
Size: 7,200 sq. ft. | Value: $1,000,000
Strength space with free weights, Olympic lifting platforms, turf movement area, and more.
2. Athletic Training Room
Size: 350 sq. ft | Value: $100,000
Shared space with UW Athletics for students, athletes, and eventually members to receive athletic training services.
3. Wet Classroom
Size: 650 sq. ft | Value: $50,000
Classroom that can be easily accessed from the pool deck, used for instructional programs and meetings.
4. Locker Rooms
Size: 8,560 sq. ft | Value: $1,000,000
Women’s, men’s, and individual locker rooms, showers, and changing areas.
5. Revolution Studio
Size: 2,000 sq. ft. | Value: $200,000 ($1,000,000 for all studios)
Studio for cycling group fitness classes featuring LED lights.
6. Diving Well
Size: 4,205 sq. ft. | Value: $1,000,000
Dive Tower is already named, but Diving Well can be named.
LEVEL 1
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1. Main Lobby
Size: 1,650 sq. ft. | Not available
Entrance lobby with two lounge areas, includes main donor recognition.
2. Fitness Spaces
Size: 5,420 sq. ft. | Value: $1,000,000
Cardio and strength equipment throughout the first floor.
3. Wellbeing Services
Size: 200 sq. ft. | Value: $10,000 each
Two rooms right off the main lobby, one for consultations and assessments (personal training) and the other for massage therapy.
4. Member Services Desk
Size: 200 sq. ft. | Value: $100,000
Front desk that leads into the facility. Most commonly used for equipment checkout, towels, sports equipment, and membership sales.
5. Courts 1 & 2
Size: 13,312 sq. ft. | Value: Named, but sponsorship opportunities are available
Two full-size basketball courts used for a variety of activities, including futsal.
Note: All courts are named after the Nicholas family, however, there are still opportunities for sponsor signage.
LEVEL 2
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1. Fitness Space
Size: 6,210 sq. ft. | Value: $1,000,000
Cardio equipment throughout the floor.
2. Student Staff Break Room
Size: 225 sq. ft. | Value: $25,000
Space for student employees to clock in, store their belongings while working, etc.
3. Admin Lobby
Size: 250 sq. ft. | Value: $1,000,000
Welcome area leading to administration suite.
4. Conference Room
Size: 450 sq. ft. | Value: $100,000
Executive conference room near administration suite.
5. Momentum Studio
Size: 2,000 sq. ft. | Value: $200,000; $1,000,000 for all studios
Double height studio used for group fitness classes and events, features a large UW crest, visible from the street.
LEVEL 3
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1. Spark Studio
Size: 1,000 sq. ft. | Value: $150,000; $1,000,000 for all studios
Multipurpose studio with heavy bags; used for group fitness classes, personal training, sport club practices, etc.
2. Balance Studio
Size: 1,000 sq. ft. | Value: $150,000; $1,000,000 for all studios
Multipurpose studio with mirrors and windows out to Dayton Street; used for group fitness classes and other events.
3. Courts 3 - 8
Size: 38,688 sq. ft. | Value: Named (Sponsorship opportunities available)
Six full-size basketball courts used for a variety of activities.
4. Fitness Space
Size: 12,560 sq. ft. | Value: $1,000,000
Cardio and strength equipment, plus a turf training area that leads to Sprint Ramp up to Track level.
5. Admin Suite
Size: 4,140 sq. ft. | Value: $1,000,000
Open office area, private offices, and meeting rooms.
LEVEL 4
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1. Elevation Studio
Size: 4,200 sq. ft. | Value: $300,000 ($1,000,000 for all studios)
Largest multipurpose studio, used for group fitness classes and events; large windows give participants views of campus.
2. Track
Size: 9,000 sq. ft. | Value: $250,000
Jogging track that is 1/6 of a mile, has views of Lake Mendota, Lake Monona, and the Capitol.
3. Racquetball Courts
Size: 800 sq. ft. | Value: $50,000 each
Two racquetball courts located off the track.
4. Fitness Space
Size: 260 sq. ft. | Value: $1,000,000
Track, cardio equipment, functional strength equipment, stretching areas.
