War Memorial Hall

War Memorial Hall slated to open early fall 2024

As renovations continue to progress, the Department of Recreational Sports is excited to announce that the reopening timeline for the capital project anticipates occupancy and public use in August of 2024.

About the Space

When complete, the renovation will nearly triple the weight and cardio space provided on Virginia Tech’s Blacksburg campus. The 204,000-gross-square-foot building’s ground floor will feature an open floor plan with increased ceiling height to help facilitate exercise activities with free weights and cardio equipment.

Ten specialized spaces will be added to the previously available three, including a boxing room, two rooms for dance organizations, a mind/body studio, yoga studio, spin studio, one squash court, and five racquetball courts. A wet classroom for aquatic and safety instruction will complement the facility’s pool – which will be outfitted with new lighting and HVAC systems. A new 7,000-square-foot table tennis space will be provided, and all basketball courts will be upfitted with new hardwood floors.

Modern locker rooms and bathrooms that include family changing rooms and an all-gender restroom featuring private stalls with a shared space for handwashing will be available in War Memorial Hall to support the university’s efforts to create a welcoming and inclusive campus.

Other improvements to War Memorial Hall include building system upgrades and interior finish improvements including centralized air conditioning; new plumbing and electrical systems as well as improved vertical circulation; energy-efficient LED lighting; optimized flooring for exercise; and more.

To complement interior capital renovations, exterior renovations are also being implemented to repair and repoint Hokie Stone that was originally installed in the 1920s.

To read more about the project’s details and partnering departments who will share the space, check out VT News’ story on the capital renovation. 

Access and Membership Rates

Students

All Virginia Tech full and part time enrolled undergraduate and graduate students who pay the recreation fee in the comprehensive fees of their tuition have access to use War Memorial Hall as well as McComas Hall, the Rec Sports Field House, and the Venture Out Center during normal operational hours.

VT Employees and Retirees

Employees will have the opportunity to purchase a Rec Sports Membership, which will provide access to War Memorial Hall as well as McComas Hall, Rec Sports Field House, and the Venture Out Center. Membership options will be made available, including an Early Bird Membership option that allows members to access Rec Sports spaces from opening to 2 p.m. Monday-Friday in addition to full access on weekends. 

Current rates are:

• Full Access

  • Semester: $187

  • Academic year: $374

• Early Bird

  • Semester: $56
  • Academic year: $112

2024-2025 employee membership rates will be made available in the spring 2024 semester. 

Spouse/Partner and Dependents

Spouses/partners and dependents of current Virginia Tech employees, retirees, and students are eligible to purchase a membership with VT Rec Sports. In order to qualify, all spouse/partner and dependent candidates must be 18 years or older and be able to provide proper documentation that they reside at the same address of their sponsor. Please note that a verified spouse/partner and dependent candidate is able to purchase a membership regardless of if their sponsor is a paying member.

Dependents who are Minors

Dependents of current Virginia Tech employees, retirees, and students who are under the age of 18 are eligible for access. The parent/guardian of a minor dependent must have a valid Rec Sports Access Membership and be present with the minor at all times. 

VT Alumni

VT Alumni will have the opportunity to purchase a membership with VT Rec Sports. More details will be shared in the coming months.

Hours

Operational hours in the fall semester at War Memorial Hall will be:

• Monday-Friday, 5am - 11pm

• Saturday- 12pm - 10pm

Pool hours will be shared in the coming months.

Facility Reservations

Stay tuned: information on facility reservations will be provided in April.

Student Employment at War Memorial Hall

Recreational Sports is hiring student employees to serve our growing department as we reopen War Memorial Hall. A “Rec Sports Job Fair” will be hosted on March 20 in McComas Hall’s Gym. Students who may be interested in working with Rec Sports and at War Memorial Gym are encouraged to attend the fair between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. to learn more about employment opportunities.  

Progress Photos

Collected February 2024

Facility Facts

War Memorial Hall

Building Number: 0182

Gross Square Footage (GSF): 200,961 Sq. Ft.
Original Construction Year: 1975
Abbreviation: GYM

Address:

370 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24061

Status: Under Construction

Classification: General Purpose Building

About:

War Memorial Hall is currently closed for renovations

War Memorial Hall, located on the Drillfield, houses one of the gyms on campus as well as Recreational Sports administrative offices.

An alumni campaign to finance construction of a gymnasium to memorialize Techmen who had died in World War I began in 1919, and the resulting War Memorial Gymnasium was completed in 1926. Varsity basketball games were played in the gym from 1926 to 1961. Initially called the World War I Memorial Gymnasium, the structure was closed in 1972 for significant renovation and expansion, reopening in 1975.