Recreation Hall Ready for New Academic Year

Things may look a little different when students return to the Long Island campus for the fall semester.

Recreation Hall, the facility that houses New York Tech’s basketball teams as well as intramurals and open gyms for the general student body had a wood floor installed in July.

The maple floor includes the recently released New York Tech logo painted at midcourt.

“We understand that in order for our students and our student-athletes to be successful and to have the opportunity to achieve greatness, we must invest in them,” said Dan Vélez, M.S., director of athletics. “The laying of a wood playing surface in Recreation Hall shows a commitment to student and student-athlete success and excellence. We must provide the best experience possible. Projects such as this ensure Tech students and student-athletes have access to a top-notch experience.”

The ActionFlex court provides uniform performance and great ball response.

It replaced a rubber surface that had been used inside Recreation Hall since the 1970s.

The procedure to install the court also included raising the baskets two inches to accommodate the thickness of the new wood flooring.

The flooring was installed in time for the women’s basketball team’s July practices in preparation for a late-summer trip to Spain to play three exhibition games.

Intramurals and open gyms will continue to take place at Recreation Hall as well.

“On behalf of the entire men’s basketball program, we would like to thank the athletic department and everyone else who contributed to making these renovations possible," said Evan Conti, the men’s basketball head coach. “Having a brand-new wooden floor will enhance the live-game experience for our student-athletes and fans for years to come while also greatly helping recruiting efforts. We cannot wait to get back to campus and prepare for the upcoming season.”

Added women’s basketball Head Coach Kenneth Parham, “I really appreciate the athletic administration upgrading our gym. It is going to increase the student-athlete experience. It’s a great addition for our school.”