Torchbearer: Summer 1997

A Really Big Blow

Harold Denton calls it the best thing that's happened to UT recreational sports in a long time.

The new fitness and recreation Bubble, located behind the Student Aquatic Center, sports three multipurpose courts, a walking track, and state-of-the art fitness equipment, says Denton, UT RecSports director. It takes approximately 4.7 million pounds of air to "blow up the Bubble," which Denton likens to a big balloon.

The new Bubble hovers above the foundation where its predecessor was inflated in 1986.

"The original Bubble came tumbling down, kind of like the walls of Jericho," when the blizzard of '93 dumped 22 inches of snow on it, Denton says.

The new structure houses 10 new stair steppers and stationary bikes, four rowers, and two treadmills. The energy-absorbing floor is ideal for the 24 aerobics classes taught each week. And the courts are available for sports like basketball, volleyball, soccer, or lacrosse. Sports equipment will be available for checkout.

Denton calls this Bubble a bargain. The project cost approximately $700,000, of which $300,000 came from insurance on the old Bubble, he says. Student activity fees paid the rest.

"Students get 24,544 square feet for less than $400,000. That's a lot of space for the price," he says.

No state dollars were used. Since activities fees funded the project, students can use the facility free of charge. Faculty and staff pay a small fee.