Intramural Sports Building: A Historic Hub for Fitness and Inclusion at University of Michigan
Written and verified by the Rallyvite editorial team using publicly available data and the business’s official website. Last updated: 23 Dec 2025 06:57
TL;DR: Intramural Sports Building Soccer is One of the Best Group Outing Venues near Ann Arbor
The Intramural Sports Building (IMSB) at the University of Michigan stands as a premier destination for students and visitors seeking a vibrant and historic setting for recreation and socializing. Established in 1928 as the nation's first collegiate recreation facility, this landmark blends historic grandeur with modern amenities. Friends can gather to enjoy four basketball courts, three racquetball courts, and three wallyball courts, alongside expansive spaces for cardio and weight training equipped with 111 weight machines and 130 cardio machines. The building's recent $15.7 million renovation revitalized its infrastructure—enhancing lighting, flooring, and energy-efficient windows—while maintaining the original masonry and iconic 'Michigan' brick wall signature. Beyond fitness, IMSB fosters an inclusive environment with fully ADA-compliant features, gender-inclusive restrooms and locker rooms, personal rooms, and individual showers and changing areas. Social spaces and group exercise studios further encourage community interaction, making IMSB an ideal meetup spot that supports both physical health and social well-being within a celebrated historic backdrop.
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What people think of Intramural Sports Building, based on reviews
As of recent, Intramural Sports Building holds a 4.6-star rating based on 235 reviews.
User reviews highlight the Intramural Sports Building's success in marrying historic charm with contemporary fitness needs. Positive feedback frequently mentions the facility's state-of-the-art equipment, spaciousness, and the welcoming atmosphere created by the upgraded social and inclusive spaces. Visitors appreciate the preserved historic elements, such as the main gym’s brick wall with 'Michigan' painted on it, which enhances the unique character of the location. The ADA compliance and gender-inclusive facilities have also been noted as significant improvements that make IMSB accessible and comfortable for a diverse population. However, some less favorable reviews point to occasional crowds during peak times, which can make accessing equipment or courts challenging. A small number of users mention that while the renovations greatly improved the space, certain areas could benefit from additional maintenance or staffing to ensure an optimal experience. Overall, the reviews reflect a positive consensus that the IMSB is a well-maintained, thoughtfully upgraded recreation center that honors its heritage while meeting modern expectations. It remains a popular and highly rated hub for physical activity and social engagement on campus.
How to reach Intramural Sports Building
606 E Hoover Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA
FAQ about Intramural Sports Building, your new favorite meetup place for groups in Ann Arbor, Michigan
Because it offers the perfect blend of top-tier facilities, a welcoming atmosphere, and a diverse range of activities designed to make group meetups both fun and engaging. Whether you're aiming for a competitive sports match or a casual gathering, this place provides an energizing space that encourages bonding through physical activity and friendly competition. Its modern, recently renovated facilities feature state-of-the-art equipment and impeccably maintained courts, making every visit comfortable and exciting. Plus, its convenient location near public transit makes assembling your group hassle-free. The presence of staff who are both friendly and helpful enhances the overall experience, ensuring everyone feels included and supported no matter their skill level. With an impressive overall rating of 4.6 from over 235 reviews, it’s clear that visitors consistently enjoy memorable outings here, making it a go-to destination for hosting meetups with friends or family who appreciate activity, wellness, and social connection.
This facility caters to a wide variety of sporting interests and fitness preferences, making it ideal for groups with varied tastes. The Intramural Sports Building offers access to multiple courts for sports such as basketball, volleyball, badminton, racquetball, and squash. Visitors can reserve courts for play either the same day or up to 72 hours in advance, allowing plenty of planning time for group events. Volleyball games, for instance, follow rally scoring to 25 points, promoting lively, fast-paced matches that keep all participants actively engaged. Additionally, the building provides cardio-focused Group-X classes, which are great for groups wanting to exercise together through instructor-led workouts. Equipment like racquets and balls can either be checked out or purchased directly on-site, minimizing preparation hassle. These diverse offerings allow groups to customize their outing around competitive gameplay, casual exercise, or shared fitness challenges, ensuring there's something for everyone to rally around.
Its spacious, clean environment helps groups feel comfortable from the moment they arrive. The facility's design promotes easy navigation between activity areas, which means that family or friend groups can spread out without losing connection. Because it is located on a university campus, the building benefits from a vibrant, youthful energy that fuels spirited competition and camaraderie. The combination of flexible hours—with weekday and weekend availability—and the option to reserve courts online or by phone ensures that your meetup fits smoothly into your schedule. Moreover, the staff's reputation for kindness and professionalism adds to the overall positive vibe, making it an inclusive venue for people of all ages and activity levels. Whether your gathering is to break a sweat or simply spend quality time in an active setting, the Intramural Sports Building’s welcoming atmosphere and excellent facilities help create lasting memories for your group.