Samford’s newly remodeled recreation and fitness center, Seibert Hall, will open Thursday, Sept. 19 for student tours. After being closed since 2023, the four-story complex will be open for use this fall.
“It’s bringing an area to campus that hasn’t previously been here,” said Paul Anderton, assistant director of fitness and training for campus recreation.
Compared to the Pete Hanna Fitness Center, Seibert Hall will have extensively more equipment and space to cater to a wide range of exercise preferences.
“The bottom floor where the pool was will be where all the strength training stuff is,” said Anderton.
The first floor is also set to have a turf area with sleds, slam balls, rope, tires, boxes and other equipment.
Planned classes for the fall include a new fitness class called Turf Tough, a small group, high intensity interval training (HIIT) class.
Other planned classes include Zumba, Dance Trance, Bulldog Jam (dance cardio plus strength training), core barre, yoga, pilates, indoor cycling and Bulldog Strong (small group strength training). Yoga and pilates will also include classes designated only for Samford faculty and staff.
Virtual classes will also be available via the Funxtion website.
The second floor will house a large studio for group classes, as well as workout equipment compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act standards. The cycling studio will be on the third floor.
“Sometimes facilities just have one huge workout space, which can be very intimidating, and we want to make sure to include everyone,” said Nick Madsen, executive director of campus recreation.
Other resources Madsen mentioned include pin-loaded weight equipment, cardio equipment, Peloton stationary bikes, circuit training stations, as well as courts for basketball, pickleball and volleyball.
Seibert Hall will also provide two new food options: a cafe and a 24-hour convenience store.
“By creating a space that students can come in, whether they’re hanging out, exercising, [or] doing recreational activities, we know that it’s good for our physical, mental, and emotional well-being,” said Anderton.
While Campus Recreation serves Samford students through fitness and wellness facilities, it also provides students with employment opportunities.
“We’ve added new layers of employment,” said four-year campus recreation student employee Kyle O’Dowd. These positions include membership assistants, facilities assistants, and supervisors.
While the Samford community awaits Seibert Hall reopening this fall, the Pete Hanna Fitness Center will be open. The fitness center’s operation hours are posted on the door and online. After Seibert Hall’s reopening, Samford Athletics will take over the fitness center as well as Bashinsky Field House.
Seibert Hall’s operating hours will be Sunday, 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Monday-Thursday, 5:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
“Hours will be adjusted during breaks and holidays,” said Madsen.
