Wondering where Chicago’s athletes train? That’s easy. It’s the Gerald Ratner Athletics Center. Colloquially known as the Rat, this facility stands as a hub of activity on the University of Chicago campus. The Ratner Athletic Center is more than just a building. It’s a testament to the university’s commitment to athletics and recreation.
Named after alumnus Gerald Ratner, the center cost $51 million. Ratner contributed $15 million. He played baseball for the university back when it was part of the Big Ten Conference. Designed by Cesar Pelli, known for the Petronas Towers, the Rat is an architectural marvel. Its suspension structure uses masts, cables and counterweights.
Approved for use in September 2003, the Ratner Athletic Center boasts many features. These include a competition gymnasium, a multilevel fitness facility and an Olympic-sized swimming pool. There is also a multipurpose dance studio, meeting rooms and athletic department offices. The Rat has hosted numerous NCAA Division III regional and UAA conference championship events.
Located at the corner of Ellis Avenue and 55th Street, the Ratner Center has an award-winning design. Its external mast-and-counterweight system creates large open spaces inside. Cesar Pelli & Associates Inc. were the design architects. OWP/P served as the architect of record.
The Ratner Athletic Center broke ground on October 28, 2000. It officially opened on September 29, 2003. The dedication took place during homecoming weekend on October 11. This was the first new athletic facility on campus in 68 years. It was part of a $500 million university-wide capital improvement plan.
The Rat is composed of three main parts. These include the Myers-McLoraine Swimming Pool, the gymnasia and the Bernard DelGiorno fitness center. Helen Myers McLoraine contributed over $5 million for the swimming pool. Bernard DelGiorno donated $5 million in 2006 to fund athletic facilities.
The Myers-McLoraine Swimming Pool measures 50 meters by 25 yards. It can be configured with up to 20 lanes in the 25-yard dimension. It can also be nine lanes in the 50-meter dimension. A moveable bulkhead allows for simultaneous activities. The pool’s depth ranges from 4 to 13.5 feet. The competition natatorium seats 350 spectators.
The Bernard DelGiorno Fitness Center occupies two levels. It also includes the rotunda area. Besides a general fitness center, it offers a dance studio and meeting rooms. The University of Chicago Athletics Hall of Fame is also located here.
The competition gym accommodates basketball, volleyball and wrestling. It can convert into two recreational courts. The auxiliary gym is multipurpose. It allows for indoor soccer, basketball, volleyball and badminton.
The Ratner Center serves as home to the university’s basketball, volleyball and wrestling teams. The 1658-seat competition gymnasium has hosted several championships. The Myers-McLoraine Swimming Pool hosted the 2005 UAA Swimming and Diving Championship. It also hosted swimming at the 2006 Gay Games.
The Ratner Athletic Center is available to university and hospital faculty, staff, alumni, retirees and students. The university requires undergraduates to pass a swimming test. The Ratner’s pool is where students complete this requirement.
The construction used 2000 short tons of steel. The gym’s roof weighs 2000000 pounds. It is supported by two 125-foot steel masts. The pool’s roof is supported by three masts. Each mast is composed of three 18-inch steel sections filled with concrete.
Concrete counterweights totaling 2500 cubic yards counteract the roof’s weight. The masts and counterweights resemble flying buttresses in gothic architecture. The exterior support design allows for open natural lighting.
The facility has received awards for its engineering and design. These awards come from the American Council of Engineering Companies and others. The Rat stands as a testament to architectural innovation and athletic excellence. So, next time you are on campus, take a look at the Gerald Ratner Athletics Center. It’s a place where form meets function. It’s a place where athletes strive for greatness.