We Are Open

Updates

^Date	^Update	^Notes
12/9/2025	Dec. 18th: The climbing wall will be unavailable until the new 55 ft climbing wall and bouldering area are completed and opened.	Outdoor Adventures will offer more adventure trips focused on climbing during the build. Stay tuned for their spring schedule.
12/9/2025	Dec. 18th: The first-floor weight room will be relocated from the Johnson Center to Seaton Center Gym.	UK ID swipe entry is required.
11/7/2025	Cardio equipment has been relocated upstairs.	Users may experience some initial confusion as they adjust to the new layout and locate their preferred equipment.
10/1/2025	Excavation for MAC foundation is in progress.	This will not impact Pieratt daily operations or the hours of operation.
9/29/2025	South side staircase of the basketball courts are now closed.	Access points available are the temporary stairs or the elevator.
9/8/2025	Exterior demolition of the Johnson Center building has begun.	This will not impact daily operations or the hours of operation.
8/1/2025	Racquetball Courts are no longer available.

1st Floor Weight Room

The Johnson Center 1st floor weight room has been moved and relocated to the Seaton Center Gym Court 1. Swipe entry is required.

Climbing Wall Closure and What's Coming Next

The UK JC Climbing Wall is now closed as we prepare for demolition and the next phase of the UK Johnson Center Expansion. This project will make room for a new climbing experience, upgrading from our current 30ft wall to a 55ft climbing wall with dedicated bouldering areas and a bouldering cave.

These concept images are to help you picture what’s ahead for fall 2026. Designs are not final.

Climbing Wall Bouldering Cave Rendering — Walltopia

Cardio Equipment

Cardio equipment has been relocated in the Johnson Center to make room for the next phase of the facility expansion.Thank you for your patience as UK Campus Recreation continues to improve spaces that promote well-being, connection, and student success.

Entry and Access

During construction, entry to the Johnson Center will be through the double doors in the Seaton Center.

Check-in: Outside the double doors, stop at the check-in desk to swipe or tap your UK ID.
Equipment check-out: Once inside, the new equipment room is located just off to the right.

Thank you for your patience as we make these exciting improvements. We’re excited to welcome you back into the Johnson Center.

We can't wait for students to see what we have in store for them in Fall 26. The Johnson Center expansion is exactly what our students need and deserve as they live active lives of meaning and purpose.

Mark Lattin

Construction Articles

UKnow Article

PR Newswire

Campus Rec Magazine

We’re Open and Ready for Fall 2025!

Welcome back, Wildcats! UK Campus Recreation is ready to kick off an incredible fall semester with you and Alumni Gym and the Johnson Center are operating on our regular fall schedule. The Johnson Center will look a little different this year as exciting construction is already underway to expand and improve your recreation spaces. Our doors are open, our team is ready, and we can’t wait to see you back in the gym, on the courts, and in classes.

Over the next year, you’ll start to see big changes taking shape that will transform the Johnson Center into a next-level facility, including a MAC court, new fitness spaces, outdoor pickleball courts, an expanded weightlifting area, and even a 55-foot climbing wall with bouldering. While some areas may close during construction, we are making sure you still have full access to the programs, classes, and equipment you need to stay active and connected.

During this time, we are also launching a brand new online access platform via Canvas for all online and on campus students. You’ll have access to workout templates, on-demand fitness content, and tools to help you stay engaged wherever you are.

Please note that the Johnson Center basketball courts are currently available for half-court basketball. There is no estimated reopening date yet, but repairs are underway. We are working closely with the Seaton Center to provide open rec hours there so you can continue to enjoy basketball and other activities. We will share updates and hours as soon as possible.

This is just the beginning of what is wildly possible for Campus Rec and we are so excited to share the journey with you.

Stay tuned to our website and social channels for updates and ways to get involved throughout the semester. We will continue to update this page with new announcements as they happen.

Let’s make Fall 2025 one to remember. 💙