If you read Pete Sala’s famous emails, you know that the Barnes Center at The Arch is a thing. And if you haven’t missed all the construction and signs near the Dome, you know that colossus building is it. We know. It’s still a work in progress right now, but come fall 2019, it’s gonna be a big deal.
“But what’s so great about the Barnes Center? It’s just going to be a gym.”
YOU’RE WRONG! The Barnes Center is way more than just “the new gym.” It’ll be your one-stop spot for everything health, wellness and recreation related. We’re talking taking Health Services, the Office of Health Promotion, the Counseling Center and Recreation Services and bringing them all under one roof as one integrated wellness team! And if just the thought of having all of those great services on campus in one accessible location isn’t exciting enough for you, we’ve prepared a list of the top features to look forward to. Check them out:
- Rock Climbing Center – Rock climbing is a great way to build strength and endurance! The Barnes Center will have both bouldering and top rope climbing! If you’ve never climbed before, it’s a fun hobby to pick up if you like solving problems and having a physical challenge.
- Pet Therapy Room – Imagine but like, more than just Thursdays! Heaven right? The Barnes Center will have a room just for when our favorite doggos come to campus.
- E-Sports Gaming Room – E-Sports have become a global phenomenon with tournaments featuring all your favorite video games. With the Barnes Center’s E-Sports Gaming Room, you’ll have a designated space with state of the art equipment to play and challenge your friends. We’re thinking 2K, Halo and League of Legends.
- Smoothie Bar – did you get to taste test the smoothies coming to the Barnes Center? They’re delish. But that’s not all! Healthy grab-and-go food options will be available, too. And in case you missed it, there’s a contest going on to name the smoothie spot! Submit your ideas through the or the for your chance to win a prize pack including a smoothie-a-week  for a year, a free pizza from Tomato Wheel and health and wellness related swag.
- MindSpa – If you’ve used the existing before, you know what we’re talking about. If not, it’s this really cool space where you can go to relax, meditate or use a UV light to boost your mood and decrease stress. Now that we’re all on the same page, get ready for MULTIPLE MindSpas! The Barnes Center will have multiple rooms just for relaxation and stress reduction.
- Multipurpose Activities Court– There’s so much room for activities! With the new multipurpose activities court, the Barnes Center will have a space for an improved Intramural experience and Late Night at the Gym activities.
- Meditation Room – Shout out to Hendricks Chapel for already having an amazing , but get ready for a beautiful space in the Barnes Center, too! Who doesn’t love more ways to practice mindfulness?
- Indoor Track – Let’s face it, running during Syracuse winters isn’t really ideal. But now, there’s no reason not to get your runner’s high all year round in the Barnes Center. The indoor track will be a great way to get your steps in or brush up on your mile time.
- New and Improved Pool – The water recreation facility in the Barnes Center will be completely updated and accessible. Areas include regulation swimming lanes, a rock wall and a space for activities such as volleyball, basketball and more.
This is the real deal, people! So throw out all those rumors you’ve heard, and get ready for the Barnes Center at The Arch!