Ryder Center
- Originally consisted of the Cardinal Gymnasium, which was opened in 1971 for $1.3 million. When the physical education plant was opened in 1989, it was dedicated to the University’s second president, Dr. Jack M. Ryder when he retired.
- The main arena was also completed in 1989 and can hold approximately 4,000 to 6,000 people. O’Neill Arena was named to recognize the Honorable James E. O’Neill Jr. for his continuous advocacy of SVSU at the State Legislature in Lansing for over 25 years. It is the home to the Men’s and Women’s basketball teams, concerts, speakers, graduation, expos, career fairs, and other events.The Ryder Center is home to numerous craft shows, boat shows, festivals, lock-ins for area schools, and much more.
- The Ryder Center has racquetball and walleyball courts, a 6 lane indoor track, batting nets, a weight room, an Olympic size pool [one half is 12 feet deep with 4 diving boards, the other half is set up in lanes].
- The Hamilton Gym is home of the women’s volleyball program. It is also available to play recreational volleyball, basketball, and intramural sports
- Students are able to use all of the equipment in the facility for free, using their student I.D.
- Fitness Center
- The fitness center opened in 2003, and has treadmills, elliptical machines, bikes, and stair masters. There are also free weights, weight machines, and an abdominal and stretching station. ID card will get you into the fitness center for free.
- Personal trainers are available
- Harvey Randall Wickes Memorial Stadium
- The stadium opened in 1991. It is the home of the Saginaw Valley State University football team. In 2005, we quadrupled the seating on the visitor side and added a student section in the end zone. An additional scoreboard was also added.
Sports Offered at SVSU
There are three different levels of sports at SVSU. SVSU is a Division II school, and competes in the GLIAC: Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
Varsity: play other DII schools and are school sponsored and run
Badminton,Baseball,Bass Fishing,Bowling,Boxing,Cheerleading,Cricket,Dance,Disc Golf, Dodgeball, Equestrian – Hunt, Stock, Golf, Gymnastics,Ice Hockey – Men,Lacrosse: Men, Women,Paintball,Pom Pon, Rugby: Men and Women, Soccer: Men and Women, Tennis,Volleyball :Women,Winterguard,Wrestling
Intramural: students play other SVSU students on a less competitive level
Varsity: play other DII schools and are school sponsored and run
- Men: baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, swimming and diving, and track and field
- Women: Basketball, cross country, soccer, swimming and diving, track and field, and tennis
Badminton,Baseball,Bass Fishing,Bowling,Boxing,Cheerleading,Cricket,Dance,Disc Golf, Dodgeball, Equestrian – Hunt, Stock, Golf, Gymnastics,Ice Hockey – Men,Lacrosse: Men, Women,Paintball,Pom Pon, Rugby: Men and Women, Soccer: Men and Women, Tennis,Volleyball :Women,Winterguard,Wrestling
Intramural: students play other SVSU students on a less competitive level
- Flag football, kickball, outdoor soccer, sand volleyball, softball, golf, tennis, badminton, indoor flag football, indoor soccer, racquetball, volleyball, walleyball, 3-3 basketball tournament
Campus Recreation
- Students can also take fitness classes for $25 dollars, giving them access to Zumba, cardio, bootcamp, lifting, etc.
- Outside SVSU gives students the ability to explore areas outside the immediate Saginaw area for a low price. For example, rock climbing, hiking, ice climbing, kayaking, etc.