The George W. Woodruff Physical Education Center opened its doors to the Emory community in August 1983. The $20 million physical education center was named in honor of George W. Woodruff––a well-known Atlanta engineer, businessman, corporate leader, philanthropist and trustee of Emory University––for his significant role in the transfer of the $105 million Emily and Ernest Woodruff Fund to Emory.

The Woodruff Physical Education Center is home to the Department of Health, Physical Education & Dance and the Department of Athletics & Recreation. Emory has hosted numerous special events, including University Athletic Association (UAA) and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championship athletic events, the Georgia State Special Olympics, the National Transplant Games, the National Veterans’ Wheelchair Games, President Clinton’s address, 1996 Olympic training and much more.

Swimmers of all ages and abilities can enjoy exercising and sun bathing at the Student Activity and Academic Center (SAAC). Three pools are available for use: a lap pool (four lanes, 25 yards), a 50-meter Olympic-sized pool and a 1-foot-deep children’s wading pool. The swimming pool also has two 1-meter diving boards and two 3-meter diving boards. These top-notch aquatic amenities were added to the Woodruff Physical Education Center in 2003, following WTI's work with the architect to design and engineer a superior aquatic training facility that would perform well outdoors.