UCLA to temporarily close John Wooden Center, citing heat wave
The John Wooden Center is pictured. The center will close Saturday to at least Oct. 9 because of a major and prolonged heat wave. (Kai Dizon/Assistant Photo editor)
By Keira Perkin
Oct. 1, 2026 4:56 p.m.
The John Wooden Center will close Saturday to at least Oct. 9 because of high temperatures, UCLA Recreation announced Thursday.
The closure comes in anticipation of a major and prolonged heat wave, with temperatures reaching as high as 99 F next week, UCLA Recreation said in a Thursday email to students.
UCLA will initiate the Cooling Response Plan, which aims to conserve energy to cool essential campus buildings – including classrooms and research spaces – during anticipated heat waves in Los Angeles, according to UCLA Facilities’ website.
The National Weather Service issued an extreme heat warning for LA and other parts of Southern California on Thursday. The warning will take effect 10 a.m. Friday until 8 p.m. Oct. 8.
UCLA Recreation will cancel all programs scheduled in the Wooden Center during the closure, but programs held at other recreation facilities will continue, the department said in the email. UCLA Recreation added that it will provide students with an update on the center’s closure Monday.
The department encouraged recreation members to use the Bruin Fitness Center and Drake Stadium as alternatives. Graduate students, faculty and staff can also access the Kinross Recreation Center, UCLA Recreation said in the email.
UCLA Media Relations did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the closure.
