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Charles E. Smith Center has served as the home of the Department of Athletics and Recreation for 22 years. A three-level building covering a full city block, Smith Center serves the entire University as well as the neighboring Foggy Bottom community.

Recreational activities can be found in the main arena and either of the two auxiliary gymnasiums, which are available for basketball, volleyball, badminton, indoor soccer and a variety of other activities.

The aquatically-minded will enjoy the eight-lane, 25-yard pool which is also the home of the Colonial swimming, diving and water polo teams. In addition to recreational swimming, the pool is used for scuba-diving classes and inner tube water polo as well as special events like the occasional "dive-in" movie.

Six racquetball courts, two squash courts and two outdoor tennis courts across the street provide an outlet for the racquet-sport enthusiasts on campus.

For individual fitness, aerobics classes are held in the main arena and the Wellness Center conducts clinics ranging from weight training to therapeutic massage techniques. Exercise bikes and a running track circling the upper level are available as are free weights and universal weight machines for circuit training.

Popular artists such as Elvis Costello, the B-52s, 10,000 Maniacs, Toad the Wet Sprocket, and Midnight Oil have performed at Smith Center as well as comedians George Carlin, Bill Cosby, Dana Carvey and David Spade.

Smith Center's main arena seats 5,000 spectators and is the home of GW men's and women's basketball, volleyball and gymnastics. In 1995, both upper end zone seating areas were renovated and feature chair-back seats. In 1997, a total of 82,095 fans came to Smith Center to witness the men's and women's basketball teams combine to post a 27-5 record (18-1 for the women) at 22nd & G. Sports fans also have seen the Virginia Slims women's professional tennis tournament, a USA vs. Cuba volleyball match and the USA women's basketball national team.

EXPANSION AND RENOVATION
Smith Center underwent a multi-phase renovation in 1996 to further accommodate the needs of varsity athletics and special events. The plan involved extensive renovation of townhouses at 617 22nd Street to house the women's basketball coaches' offices and at 613 22nd Street to accommodate offices for Sports Communications, Academic Support Services and coaches' offices for crew, cross country, cheerleading and golf. The renovations allow for an expanded fitness center and more space for aerobics classes in Smith Center, as well as larger locker rooms for varsity athletics.