Construction began in November on a project to expand the University of Georgia’s Ramsey Student Center, aiming to add about 10,000 square feet of strength and conditioning space. The new area, called Strength and Conditioning III (S&C III), will increase the facility’s total strength and conditioning space from roughly 20,000 to 30,000 square feet. This expansion is intended to address growing student demand and is scheduled for completion in Fall 2026.
The renovation involves converting two squash courts and six racquetball courts into a large room dedicated to weight training, anaerobic exercise, and functional fitness. The updated space will feature modern strength and cardio equipment as well as expanded areas for free weights and stretching. In addition to recreational use, the expansion will allow the university to offer more physical education classes by providing faculty and teaching assistants with additional instructional space.
Keith Wenrich, director of Recreational Sports at UGA, emphasized that the project is shaped by student input and ongoing campus growth. “Informed by student surveys, focus groups and the continued growth of our campus community, this expansion demonstrates a long-term commitment to student well-being,” Wenrich said. “We’re not just increasing capacity. We’re reimagining how students engage with fitness, wellness and community at Ramsey, ensuring these resources continue to support students now and for years to come.”
The S&C III project is being implemented in partnership with the Office of University Architects. It supports strategic plans set forth by the University System of Georgia, University of Georgia itself, and the Division of Student Affairs.
Jiran Jones, a senior at UGA from Alpharetta, noted that expanding usable space meets current needs: “This additional weight room improves access to high-demand equipment and introduces new offerings that align with what students are asking for and will genuinely excite them,” Jones said. “I’m confident students will be more than satisfied with the added space and the experience it creates.”
After upgrading HVAC systems in December, demolition began on the former squash and racquetball courts. Construction work is expected to continue through next year.
The Ramsey Student Center opened in 1995 as one of East Campus’s first buildings. Recognized by Sports Illustrated in 1997 as the best college recreation center nationwide, it remains heavily used today—employing nearly 600 student staff members and welcoming over 6,000 visitors daily.
