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I have a fairly unique perspective right now with regards to Rec Cen "atmospheres." CSUB's Rec Cen was recently completed this Spring and I'll be going back in the fall for more classes. I also graduated from UCSB as many on here already know. UCSB's Rec Cen is under the auspice of Physical Activities and Recreation (or whatever the title is now). While CSUB's is more of a joint-venutre between ASI and the university.

UCSB's Rec Cen, because of the head person still in charge, is pretty anti-Athletics. Instead the focus is on the club sports, rec sports, and fitness in general for the students. Many would agree that this should and is the mission of all Rec Cen's in general. However, UCSB's Rec Cen is so anti-Athletics that they've considered kicking the water-polo games from their pool (which is the only regulation pool they can play at on campus) while the new pool is being considered. Granted, the Rec Cen has been nice to the Locos, cheerleading and the likes during club days etc. However, for as long as I can remember, they remain fairly opposed to any UCSB spirit (occasionally they'll have signs for games outside). That might have to deal more with the (if we promote one event, we have to equally promote other events as well) mantra. Since UCSB isn't a commuter school, the UCSB Rec Cen is probably 50% of the intended purpose of a commuter school Rec Cen. I.E. the commuter school Rec Cen is inteded as a hang-out spot and a reason to stay on-campus longer. Lastly, I recall several rec-sports games that would conflict with a sporting event. That's 200+ people on a given game that might norrmally attend an athletic event, but are out playing rec-sports. For UCSB, the Rec Center might be more of a distraction for Athletics than a tool / means of encouraging school spirit.

CSUB's Rec Cen, will be more of an indicator for Long Beach and CSUN to gauge whether Rec Cen's are a distraction or a tool for Athletics. I went there during its opening, and I'll have a better feel this fall when I'm able to go back...but they at least had school colors and rally towels that said CSUB / Rec Center on them. The gym, climbing wall etc were fairly full when I first went, but I haven't been back since. I'm guessing that after 5 it'll be packed, and before some general class hours. All in all, people that normally wouldn't be on-campus I could tell were spending the some time there. I'll have to wait for this fall to see whether Athletics can exploit the increased on-campus presence for fall sports or if the Rec Cen is a distraction for athletic events.