A huge part of student life at Iowa State University is the Lied Recreation Athletic Center. The facility provides general workout equipment such as treadmills and weight gear along with multiple sport courts and two indoor tracks.

In 1990, the structure was opened on campus as the “Recreation Athletic Center.” A donation of $5 million from the Hixon Foundation Trust to the university resulted in the facility being renamed to its present “Lied Recreation Athletic Center.” Ernst F. Lied, a real estate developer, was the founder of the trust.

During the years, Lied Recreation Athletic Center has had many updates of different degrees and calibers. Most recently, the third floor of the facility underwent a major facelift, which included new flooring, ceiling, lights and cardio and weight equipment.

Lied has hosted many events during the past years, as well. The Big 12 Indoor Track and Field Championships were held at the facility in 1998, 2000 and 2007. The Iowa Special Olympics have held their summer games at Iowa State for quite a few years, using Lied’s facilities for some of the events.