In 1978-1979, a Valparaiso University student survey circulated which identified an overwhelming student-felt need for improved recreational facilities on campus. This was the birth of the Athletics-Recreation Center (ARC). This survey was followed in 1979 by a comprehensive University-wide study by the Council on University Priorities and Planning.

Subsequently, a program of needs was developed by a campus committee. The Valpo Board of Directors then designated the ARC as a priority capital component of Valparaiso University, thus a national comprehensive effort to raise $50 million in support of the University. Ground was broken for the ARC on April 23, 1983.

The $7.25 million Athletics-Recreation Center added 84,000 square feet of new construction to the existing facility, thereby providing at one site a complex of over 142,000 square feet for physical education, athletics, and recreational activities.

The new building was designed with primary emphasis on supplementing the already existing recreational areas. It contains: seven playing floors for basketball and volleyball; a free play area for recreational basketball, volleyball, and other activities; a nine-lap per mile running track; six racquetball/handball courts; classrooms and lounges; and a coed training room.

The ARC arena currently has 5,000 seats and will accommodate 6,000. The arena is complemented by an attractive entrance, lobbies, ticket offices, and permanent display cases.

Since the original completion of the ARC, renovation of the existing facility has provided upgraded facilities for all Valpo students and faculty, including a new weight room, classrooms, locker rooms, and staff offices.

A new cardiovascular room for students was constructed during 2005, and the Mosak Performance Center was created as a weight room facility for varsity athletes.

On Sunday afternoon, December 9, 1984, Notre Dame's Fighting Irish visited Valparaiso and provided the opposition for the ARC's dedication game in men’s basketball. The ARC was also the site of Valpo's dramatic upset of then 19th-ranked Notre Dame in 1988, played in front of 4,913 overjoyed fans.

The 1984-1985 season also marked the beginning for the women’s basketball team to compete in the ARC. The volleyball team then began play during the 1985 season.

Last season brought a record number of games to the ARC, as the Crusaders hosted 17 games at their home facility, including first-round Horizon League Championship action. Valpo also set a new single-game attendance record at the ARC, as 5,432 fans packed the stands for the Crusaders’ February 5 game against Butler.

The ARC has hosted several postseason sporting events, including the Mid-Continent Conference Tournament for both men’s and women’s basketball as well as volleyball.

The Crusaders have enjoyed a significant home-court advantage at the ARC, with a men’s basketball all-time record of 216-96 (.692) at home since it was built prior to the 1984-85 season. Valpo has finished above .500 in each of the last 16 seasons in its home games.

The women’s basketball program has also won more than 65% of its games all-time at the ARC while volleyball has won nearly 60% of its home contests all-time.