Loras College Athletic And Wellness Center

- 1600 W 11th St, Dubuque, IA 52001

Introduction / Overview

For residents of Dubuque and the greater Iowa area seeking a state-of-the-art fitness and athletic experience, the Lillis Athletic & Wellness Center at Loras College stands out as a premier resource. Known locally as the AWC (Athletics & Wellness Center) before its renaming to honor generous alumnus Patrick J. Lillis, this modern, multi-level facility serves as the competitive home for Loras College Duhawk athletics while offering exceptional resources for overall health and conditioning to its students, staff, and the community. Opened in 2008, it is a relatively new addition to the campus and a testament to the college’s commitment to physical wellness and competitive sports.

The center is far more than just a typical college gym; it is a sprawling hub dedicated to comprehensive wellness. It houses a vast, multi-level fitness area, a major arena for NCAA competition, and essential support facilities like athletic training rooms and administrative offices. It’s the place where the exhilarating energy of a cross-town wrestling rivalry—like the one often noted with the University of Dubuque (UD)—comes alive, or where community members can pursue their own fitness goals using high-quality equipment. For Iowans, this facility represents a chance to train in a collegiate-level environment.

Location and Accessibility

The Lillis Athletic & Wellness Center is strategically located on the Loras College campus in Dubuque, Iowa, with a primary campus address located near 1600 W 11th St, Dubuque, IA 52001, USA (Note: The facility itself is often cited near Cox Street within the campus). The location is highly accessible from major city arteries, providing a straightforward drive for anyone coming from different parts of Dubuque or the surrounding Iowa communities.

As a modern, post-2000 facility, accessibility was a key design consideration. The center offers robust accommodations to ensure inclusion for all users and spectators: a crucial detail for any community resource.

• The facility includes a Wheelchair accessible entrance, providing easy and barrier-free access for everyone.
• Convenient Wheelchair accessible parking lot spaces are available close to the entrance for ease of use.
• Clean and fully compliant Wheelchair accessible restroom facilities are provided throughout the building.

This strong focus on accessibility ensures that the center is a welcoming and functional space for every member of the Iowa public.

Services Offered

The Lillis Athletic & Wellness Center provides a vast array of services, catering to competitive athletes, students, and community members with fitness goals:

• Extensive Fitness and Weight Rooms: Features multi-level fitness and weight rooms equipped with a large selection of both free weights and machine weights for comprehensive strength training.
• Full Cardio Room: A dedicated space featuring a variety of cardio equipment, often accompanied by flat-screen television monitors for an engaging workout experience.
• Indoor Sport Courts: Home to the Lillis Court, a dedicated arena for collegiate-level games, including regulation Basketball court and Volleyball court setups, where the Loras Duhawks compete.
• Wrestling Competition Venue: The arena also serves as a primary site for collegiate wrestling matches, hosting memorable, high-energy events including the celebrated local rivalries.
• Locker Room Facilities: Provides comprehensive locker room services, including individual stalls, showers, and essential Restroom facilities for all members and athletes.
• Concessions and Amenities: Contains an on-site concessions area to serve spectators during major athletic events.
• Athletic Support Services: Houses the Loras College Athletic Training staff and Strength and Conditioning coach offices, providing professional support for student-athletes.
• Community Membership Access: The center generally offers membership and guest pass options for community members, providing local Iowans with access to its high-quality fitness and pool amenities.

Features / Highlights

The center is a standout facility in the Dubuque area, distinguished by several key features that appeal to the Iowa community:

• Collegiate Competition Venue: The main arena, Lillis Court, provides a seating capacity for over 1,700 spectators, creating a thrilling atmosphere for collegiate basketball, volleyball, and wrestling events.
• Multi-Level Fitness Center: The expansive, multi-story layout of the fitness and weight rooms ensures ample space and diverse equipment options, reducing wait times and catering to all workout styles.
• Integrated Wellness Approach: By housing the Athletic Training and Strength & Conditioning staff, the center promotes a holistic approach to fitness and injury prevention, mirroring professional training environments.
• Loras College Varsity Athletics Hall of Fame: Located along the upper concourse, this feature allows local fans to connect with the college’s rich athletic history and celebrate the achievements of Duhawk athletes.
• Modern, Accessible Design: Its relatively recent construction ensures a modern aesthetic, efficient operation, and excellent compliance with accessibility standards, offering a better experience than older facilities.
• Community Engagement: The availability of community memberships and guest passes makes the high-caliber equipment and facilities accessible to the wider Dubuque public.
• Geothermal HVAC System: Reports indicate the facility utilizes a geothermal HVAC system, highlighting a commitment to energy efficiency and modern building practices.

Contact Information

For local Iowans interested in visiting, attending an event, or inquiring about community membership rates and operating hours, contact should be made with the appropriate administrative offices at Loras College:

Address: 1600 W 11th St, Dubuque, IA 52001, USA (Loras College Campus)

Phone: For general athletics and facility inquiries, contacting the Loras College main switchboard or the Athletics Department directly is recommended to get the most accurate, current information on public access, hours, and membership costs.

What is Worth Choosing

The Lillis Athletic & Wellness Center is worth choosing for any Iowa resident who values a clean, modern, and comprehensive athletic environment. Unlike smaller, more specialized gyms, this center provides a diverse array of resources under one roof, from heavy free weights and a large cardio room to fully equipped competition courts. For those who enjoy the energy of college sports, choosing this facility means you are training alongside and supporting the high-performing culture of Loras College’s NCAA teams, making your fitness routine part of a larger community narrative.

The center’s superior accessibility features—including parking, entrances, and restrooms—ensure that it truly serves the entire community without limitation. If you are in the Dubuque area and looking for a high-quality gym experience that offers both intensive training resources and a chance to experience the excitement of college sports (like those famous wrestling rivalries mentioned by local fans), the Lillis Athletic & Wellness Center at Loras College offers an unparalleled combination of professionalism, modern equipment, and community spirit.

Loras College Athletic And Wellness Center

1600 W 11th St, Dubuque, IA 52001, USA