Ground was broken for the new $20.3 million student recreation facility in April 2000, and the building was in use in August 2003 (the grand opening was September 5, 2003). When opened, the Tennessee Recreational Center for Students (TRECS) contained four basketball courts and a one-seventh-mile indoor circular track (7 laps to the mile) as well as fitness areas, an indoor golf simulator, an outdoor patio overlooking the pool, and an upper pool deck connected to the pool. An in-house entertainment system allowed participants to listen to TV stations or radio while working out. There was also a food service area.
The 169,288-gross-square-feet facility was paid for by Student Programs and Services fees. Architects for the project were Bullock Smith and Barber & McMurry.