$8 million gift will fund fitness center at UNR

This artist's rendering released Monday, Sept. 16, 2013 by the University of Nevada, Reno shows the proposed E.L. Wiegand Fitness Center to be built on the school's campus. The E.L Wiegand Foundation is contributing $8 million to the school to build the $46.3 million, 110,000-square-foot recreation and fitness center near the Lawlor Events Center, school officials announced Monday. (AP Photo/University of Nevada, Reno)

RENO — The University of Nevada, Reno has announced plans to build a new 100,000-square foot recreation and fitness center near the Lawlor Events Center.

University President Marc Johnson announced Monday the E. L. Wiegand Foundation is contributing $8 million to build the new E. L. Wiegand Fitness Center expected to open in late 2016.

The four-story center to be built in the parking lot along Virginia Street just south of Lawlor will nearly triple the space dedicated to fitness and recreation at UNR.

It will feature an indoor 200-meter running track and three full-court gymnasiums for basketball, volleyball and indoor tennis as well as areas for weightlifting and training.

It will be available for use by all students, faculty and staff.