When asking yourself about something to do near me in Ann Arbor with a group of friends or family, consider
Intramural Sports Building
Why Intramural Sports Building is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
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.
Here's what people think of Intramural Sports Building
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.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Matt Roller
Overall solid gym. The problem is it’s short on space. The staff do their best to fit equipment in the most efficient way possible but they’re fighting a losing battle. Lots of the equipment is outdated and “under repair”. It’s a great place for pickup basketball and other IM sports but compared to newer collegiate gyms it leaves a lot to be desired.
Theo Shapinsky
Renovation is beautiful. Staff are always very nice. If you're looking for some good pickup basketball competition on campus, this is the place. Four beautiful basketball courts make it so you'll never have to wait long to get in some action. Training room is also very nice with everything you need for a good workout. I would definitely recommend going here to keep in shape. I lived in Alice Lloyd on the hill but still found my way to the IM building quite often.
Christina Rover
Really cool facility with good amenities. No longer offer multi visit passes which is a bummer. Non alumni pay $20 a visit.
Mark Coughlin
The Intramural Sports Building is a really nice facility with top of the line equipment and great fitness classes. The gym is very clean and everyone is respectful. The basketball courts are in great condition. The summer is generally the best time to use the facility because most of the students are away. The start of each semester brings a massive surge of people and makes it difficult to get in a decent workout without battling for equipment - even the fitness classes get overcrowded.
Dre Lowe
Was here with my daughter whom played in the FAAST Basketball Tournament. The facilities were great for them to host the games there. 4 full length courts and plenty of space.
How to reach Intramural Sports Building
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Why Intramural Sports Building may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at the Intramural Sports Building with your friends? 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.
What activities are available at the Intramural Sports Building? 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.
Why is the Intramural Sports Building perfect for a group meetup? 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.