The Gymnasium And Fitness Center

Eastern's Gymnasium was one of multiple buildings built in 1958. While it served as the home for chapel for quite some time, it has never deviated from being a hub for physical education and athletic prowess. Some might be surprised to find that in its initial construction, there was space set aside for a dance studio. While you may find more dance classes in McInnis these days, you'll still find Athletics in The Nest.

The gymnasium was initially built in 1958. Even from the beginning, it was a two story building. It wasn’t just for lifting weights or shooting hoops. There was a dance studio included as well. After its initial construction, the gymnasium was the host for chapel. The first annex for this building was added in 1959, finishing in 1960.  

The gymnasium was significantly renovated in 2015, with a reopening in 2016. These renovations included an expanded building for an expanding student body, new machines, new weight racks and weights, new treadmills, new stationary bikes, new stair and rowing machines, a new batting cage and a large turf area. It reopened at 11am on February 17, 2016 with a blessing by University Chaplain Joe Modica and a ribbon cutting by then-president Robert G. Duffett.

It wouldn’t be long until the gymnasium was upgraded to The Nest. These changes occurred between 2020 and 2021, and led to a “cozy” viewing area for Eastern students to watch their athletic friends compete in basketball games. It’s easy to keep track of who is winning with the new scoreboard and lighting. The upgraded sound system helps you hear everything while you watch the video board. And our bleachers? Also new.

The fitness center is open to students, staff and faculty. If walking across campus doesn't help you stay fit, this will.

Boehlke, F. J. (2003). Faith, reason and justice: The first 50 years of eastern university. Apple Press, Ltd.

Eastern University. The nest. Eastern University Athletics. Retrieved September 24, 2024, from https://goeasterneagles.com/facilities/the-nest/1

McDougall, K. (2015, Fall/Winter). New fitness center construction underway. Eastern, , 9. https://issuu.com/easternuniversity/docs/15estrn003_winter_magazine_single_w?e=18070391/31849335

McMillan, D. (2016, Spring/Summer). New fitness center opens strong. Eastern, , 16–19. https://issuu.com/easternuniversity/docs/16estrn004_spring_magazine_final_we?e=18070391/35980963