The fitness center was constructed alongside the Michael A. Carroll Track & Soccer Stadium and the Natatorium to position IUPUI as a major physical education and sports leader for the city.

[1] The National Institute for Sports and Fitness located on the IUPUI campus was constructed in 1987 by Browning, Day, Dierdorf, Inc.

[1] Huber, Hunt, and Nichols Inc. was approved as construction manager for the National Institute of Fitness and Sport.

The White River State Park Commission voted to begin construction on the new fitness center on March 12, 1986.

[7] The Institute was also planning on using office space to publish fitness publications and assist in physical health research.