Celebrate UIC’s newest place to play at Rec Fest

Play bubble soccer and other sports at Rec Fest Sept. 10.

Play sand volleyball, bubble soccer and other sports at Rec Fest Sept. 10, then catch the first NFL game of the season during a special screening at Granderson Stadium.

Rec Fest, which celebrates the grand reopening of UIC’s Outdoor Field Complex, takes place from 4 to 7 p.m. at the field complex.

The facility reopened June 1 after a renovation project replaced the grassy multipurpose fields with more than 214,000 square feet of artificial turf to accommodate various sports and activities.

Rec Fest features free food, sports competitions and games, such as ultimate Frisbee, spike ball and hula-hoops. Register for the sand volleyball tournament.

The event helps students connect with each other and get involved with campus recreation offerings, which can help relieve stress, said Lynne Thompson, associate director of programs in Campus Recreation.

“We value events that provide opportunities for students to interact with other students in a fun, healthy environment and create memories of their time here at UIC,” Thompson said.

Campus Recreation has partnered with Athletics to engage students in a friendly competition against UIC student athletes. Students can compete against the men’s and women’s basketball teams in a hoops competition and versus the men’s baseball team in a speed pitch challenge.

After the event, students can watch the first NFL game of the season — Steelers vs. Patriots — at 7:30 p.m. on a big screen at Granderson Stadium.

“Rec Fest will hopefully become a tradition for students,” Thompson said.