University of Denver
Denver, CO
MISSION
The University of Denver Division of Athletics & Recreation provides athletic, recreational, and entertainment opportunities that meet the needs of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the Denver community.
To fulfill the mission the Division will:
- Provide diverse and equitable programming
- Serve as a positive presence in the community
- Foster personal growth and development
- Employ sound fiscal management practices
- Provide powerful and meaningful experiences, which forge enduring bonds with the University
Our Vision as an Athletics and Recreation Division is to actively create, promote and sustain an environment in which each participant is challenged and supported in pursuit of personal growth in the areas of sports, wellness and recreational activities.
FACILITIES
The Daniel L. Ritchie Center for Sports and Wellness at the University of Denver opened in 1999. It is a fitness and recreation hub for the University of Denver community and is a state-of-the-art 440,000 square-foot $84 million facility that is also home of the University’s 17 athletic programs. The building was named after the 16th chancellor of the University, Daniel L. Ritchie, for his leadership in raising funds for construction of the building.
The Coors Fitness Center is open to DU students, faculty, staff, and community members, features a 10,000 square foot venue with weights, cardiovascular and aerobic equipment. It also features a two-story climbing wall; 20,000 square foot exercise rooms for dance aerobics, martial arts, yoga; and three multi-sport courts, a squash court and two racquetball and handball courts. Coors Fitness Center membership (outside of student usage) is made up of 400 Alumni, 446 Faculty/Staff and 422 community members. The Coors Fitness Center averages 200,000 visits from students annually. Group fitness programming has seen over 49,000 participants and has been growing rapidly with classes having an average of 84% capacity.
FUN FACTS
- The 440,000 square foot facility has nine sporting and event venues. The Ritchie Center also features a sports medicine facility, team locker rooms and lounges, and the University’s Health and Counseling Center.
- Student engagement is at record levels, with 8% growth annually. 63% of DU students engage in student programs currently. Club Sports program has 30 teams that host on and off-site practice with over 1,030 students engaged. Intramural Sports program has 4,067 students engaged. The Alpine Club has 330 student members.
- The Williams Tower and Carillon was modeled after a tower at the University of Bologna in Italy. The gilt tower is 215 feet tall and weighs 70,000 pounds. It features a 65-bell, five-and-half octave carillon. The carillon chimes on the hour.
- Joy Burns Ice Arena accommodates varsity hockey practice, youth hockey, figure skating, learn-to-skate, public skate and more in a 150-seat rink.
- El Pomar Natatorium: The 30,000 square foot aquatics center contains a handicapped accessible 50 meter x 25 yard pool. It has two 3-meter and two 1-meter spring boards. It also provides 300 permanent seats but temporary seats can be added when necessary.
