Alongside the Mercyhurst Athletic Center is a vital part of the Mercyhurst campus - the Student Recreational Center . This indoor structure has always served as a multipurpose facility. It housed the weight room and training equipment for the Laker Athletic Teams and was also used by the Mercyhurst student body until a major renovation project. On Dec. 6, 2000, the entire college community celebrated the grand opening of the college's renovated and expanded recreation center. The 11,000-square-foot addition, together with the 15,000-square-foot original recreation area, now provides all members of the college community with a handsome 26,000-square-foot fitness complex. The renovated facility includes a 2,500-square-foot, state-of-the-art circuit machine lifting area, a 2,500-square-foot cardio fitness area, two fitness rooms, a spinning room, an aerobics dance area, space for self-defense training and additional rest rooms. Modern equipment has been added to the completely refurbished equipment previously housed in the older portion of the rec center, resulting in more than $200,000 in state-of-the-art fitness equipment. A new rubberized floor has been installed in the original recreation area.
The $1.5 million renovation and expansion project began in late August 2000 and was funded in part by a $1 million contribution from the student body.
Built in 1970, the facility now used as part of the Rec Center opened as Erie 's first private indoor tennis court. It was also the home court of the 1976 Mercyhurst Lakers National Tennis Champions.
