The Fitness Center was swarming with students and administrative staff Wednesday evening; however, most in attendance were not there to work out. The Fitness Center Celebration kicked off with a bang−and an iPad giveaway.

Students surrounded a podium on the basketball court while Pat Montagano, Director of Recreation and Intramural Sports, thanked all those who have helped in the development of the new facility.

“I think it’s something that the entire campus should celebrate because this is for all of the campus community,” saidMontagano. “We really needed to bring attention to the facility and to celebrate the thirteen months that we were under construction. It’s here now and it’s something to celebrate.”

The celebration included spin class, hip hop class and a special ‘Dancing with the Dance’ team class.  “This is to showcase the different instructors and to show what the classes are all about,” said Montagano. “We’re creating as much hype as we can.”

In addition to new classes, the night included several competitions including a dodge ball tournament.  “This is terrific,” said sophomore Charles Ritschel, who was on the winning dodge ball team. “It’s nice to see that everyone showed interest in such a great thing.”

After the tournament, the nationally-ranked dance team and cheerleading squad performed on the basketball court. “It seems like everyone is having a great time,” said junior cheerleader Kelly Rancier.

To cap off the night, the men’s basketball team participated in a basketball shootout against fans. The winner received an iPod Shuffle and the chance to win JetBlue tickets at the next men’s basketball game.

“When we have games, the fans always come out and support us. So any opportunity where we can change things and come out to support them, we jump on it,” said senior men’s basketball player Charles Jenkins. “I’ve been here for a long time now and I’ve never seen the Rec center like this. To have our staff here bonding with the students is great.”

Amidst the basketball shootout and other festivities, Montagano explained that her staff kept one goal in mind. “We’re creating as much hype as we can.”