From Jan. 9 to 31, over 64,008 visits have been paid to State Gym. At a cost of $46.2 million, State Gym has transformed into one of the newest and highest visited buildings on campus.

In celebration of the facility, State Gym will hold an official grand opening ceremony on Friday, Feb. 3 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

“As with all new facilities it is important to properly recognize the opening of the facility through some type of official ceremony,” said Michael Giles, director of Recreation Services.

The facility has been in service since Jan. 9 and many students have already taken advantage of the renovated building.

“State Gym has a better environment and more up-to-date equipment,” said Alison Perkins, junior in interior design. “I like how I can multitask and get caught up on TV shows while I workout.”

The expanded features approximately 125 new pieces of weight training and cardio equipment, a recreational pool, two indoor jogging tracks, five basketball courts, a 40-foot climbing wall and a smoothie bar.

In comparison, Iowa State’s other large gymnasium facility, Lied Recreation, has fewer pieces of cardio and weight training equipment and does not have a pool or smoothie bar. However, Lied has a turf and will still be home to intramural games as well as track meets.

Along with more space and equipment, the State Gym building is connected to Beyer Hall via skywalk.

The renovated facility has come at a cost for Iowa State students. This semester, students will pay $317.80, compared with the fall semester’s $227.85; an $89.95 increase. Most students do not like seeing an added cost to an already costly U-Bill; however they are satisfied with the improvement.

“It’s cheaper than single monthly gym memberships, but I can see some students seeing that not justified if their apartments come with a gym membership,” said Kellie Morrissey, senior in management.

The dedication ceremony will be held in the first-floor multipurpose room.

Steven Leath, ISU president, Tom Hill, vice president of Student Affairs, and Dakota Hoben, Government of the Student Body president, will all give remarks during the dedication.