OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- Access to the Offutt Field House, the largest fitness facility in the Department of Defense, expands to 24 hours a day starting March 1.
In order to obtain 24 hour access, individuals must first register with the field house staff during regular operating hours.
“We understand the unique mission sets across Offutt are not always conducive to working out during normal duty hours,” said 2nd Lt. Darryl Weaver, 55th Force Support Squadron Sustainment Flight Chief. “This left some of our patrons struggling to find time and we wanted to fill those gaps.”
Initially, only those with Common Access Cards will be allowed 24 hour access to the facility. Once the bulk of those users are registered, field house staff can begin issuing smart cards to dependents ages 18 years and older as well as retirees.
“We recommend that those with CACs to come in as soon as possible during manned hours to register,” Weaver said. “The faster we get through those the quicker we can get to everyone else.”
As for dependents, only registered members are allowed access during non-manned hours due to accountability and to maintain system integrity. The registration will acknowledge the safety and risk management measures required to participate
“Guests of any kind are not authorized after hours,” Weaver said. “Only members who are registered and use their own card are allowed access.”
The entire facility is under video surveillance and will be available for use with the exception of the pool, sauna and office areas.
After a historic review of high volume customer traffic periods and the shift to 24-hour access, regular hours at the field house will be adjusted to 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays and then 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends and holidays.
“The 24 hour access will be available at all times, including family days and holidays,” Weaver said.
The Offutt Field House averages more than 2,500 customers a day and more than 900,000 a year.