The Shell is the classic 50s vibe that reminds you of Rocky. I feel like I’m part of a legacy of student athletes that stretches back to the salad days of UW Madison. Most of the time, it’s empty. Although, the equipment can get crowded quickly. I hate to say people should come here because I selfishly want it to remain a quiet place to train. Much Love!

The staff are super friendly and the facilities are always incredibly clean!

I was here for a wrestling camp. The staff were kind and understanding. The wifi is also surprisingly fast for how many people are on it. It has an impressively tall ceiling. Would definitely come back to watch a hockey game or something🤼

Great place to skate in the warmer months and in the winter too! Rec skate is usually not too crowded and is a good way to get a workout in!

As safe as a gym can be. Super conscientious in social distancing and sanitizing the gear.

Staff is not helpful. There was a highly useful hamstring pull machine in Natatorium. Shell facility do not have it but there is lot of space in Shell for additional equipment. Shell staff refused to move hamstring pull machine from Natatorium which is closed now.Natatorium was a good place which is closed indefinitely but their membership prices are same. UW recreation facility must allow us to use Nicholas center until Natatorium is open.

I had a basketball camp here and there was a a lot of space, but it got incredibly hot and muggy because it is not air conditioned. Nice facility though. The ice skating rink is amazing, and the open skate is perfect for birthday parties or just having fun with friends!

Need better ventilation. No need to be dripping in the summer

A very nice sport complex including an ice ring and exercise center. Limited time open to public.

Decent equipment with good space for cardio. Weights are pretty scarce with only 2 benches and 3 squat racks. Not air conditioned, so being water for a long workout

Have been there multiple times for youth hockey games. Ice and locker rooms are fine. Parking is difficult.

It used to be that the Shell was the grown up place to work out on campus. Thats changed somewhat in the past few years. Its charming, in a dingy and clearly lower priority than the other options on campus way. It has a good range of free weights, but not a lot of bars or benches. The cardio gear is varied, but usually in some form of disrepair and its old.The showers are ok, not great.On the up side, its not a fashion show, people actually exercise there. More people than it can accommodate at times. It could be a really great facility if the University invested in it just a bit more.

The best word to describe this place is grimy. Still, its a good large gym with an indoor track, squat racks and bars, and some weights and cardio equipment in the half dozen bay areas. Ice rink and rentals too. It does get very crowded towards the late afternoon.

If you want to play basketball in Madison 5v5, come here. 4-7 Mon-Sat two courts going in summer. More during the school year. 18+. Old man league MWF 11-1.

I have been going to The Shell to workout on and off since I graduated from college (many years). A great facility with an indoor running track (7-8 laps/mile) with various workout machines located around the parameter - plenty of free weights, bikes, treadmills, and all types of workout equipment. Everything has always been clean and kept in good working order. I have never had issues with over crowding - granted there are obviously more people when school is in session. There maybe times if you go early that you will encounter ROTC doing PT on the center basketball courts or there may be other times the track team is practicing - granted this has never really stopped me from getting a workout. There is also an ice skating rink for those who love the ice. The locker rooms are large with lockers for rent - the showers and bathroom facilities are clean and never seem overcrowded. The Shell easily earns two thumbs up as well as all 5 stars.

Good workout facility, too many old people lol. Some times the track team is using parts of the facility.

Good place to get a year long skate pass for $90.

1hr is short for open skate, but still had a blast. Cant beat the price.

I love the shell! It has everything you need for any kind of program -- barbells, squat rack, machines, treadmills, stair climbers, a track, basketball courts, etc. Its rarely crowded and a great place if youre self-directed. The only thing it doesnt come with is trainers.

Great old building. Perfect for a high school track meet.

In the long noon session, this really lived up to the claim best ice in Madison; skaters even filled in chipped areas from a water bucket. I didnt notice that much in other sessions, but at least its not crowded. I dont like having to find street parking and walk a few blocks, but I didnt want to take off a star for that.

Limited weights selection and squat racks but I like the vibe here.

Great sports facility with very friendly staff; just wish it was a bit easier for guests to work out. The basketball courts and rims are in good shape; played some good 5 on 5 full court pick up games.

Excellent place. I specifically like the 6-lane 200m track. They are outstanding.

Probably will get better when the replacement for the serf opens up, right now its just a lot of dudes doing curls in the squat racks if you dont get there early.

Large open area, never overly packed (like the Serf), lots of different equipment. Highly recommend making the walk/bike here instead of the Serf!

Indoor track with weights stationed around periphery. Day passes can be bought as a guest or friend of a guest for $2 less. The air can be pretty dry in the winter, but its just a minor inconvenience.

I love it, great overall

Great service and great equipment.

Nice track and basketball courts. Gym doesnt have much equipments. Gets hot in summer as theres no AC.

Very spacious and clean

The building and equipments are a little bit old but what I love about the facility is the high ceiling and the fact that everybody works out in the same room. It builds a lot of synergy and momentum.

Poor ice and small team locker rooms. For the short time I was there it was a pretty sad experience and it was a let down.

UW Madison Club hockey. Great season ladies

Great track and weight equipment

Excellent staff and excellent facilities! If you are a student definitely make sure to check it out.

Great pick up hoops

This place is essential but the air gets a bit hot and dry

Went ice skating. Exactly as expected. Couldve been worse

Depending on the time of the day, it can be really crowded. Some equipment could be upgraded.

Big and very spacious. For any athletes to play or participate in

Best place to watch a Big 10 game!

Overall a nice facility but the ice arena is nothing special.

We like to go ice skating here....nice facility.

Not the best gym on campus. Perfect if you want to play basketball since they have 4 courts.

No AC. Old facilities, but has a historic feel to it

Lots of space and machines. Played basketball there and enjoyed myself

Interesting ice skating

Minus one star because of how bad the hockey players smell.

Convenient, but limited equipment

Always clean and professional atmosphere

Very crowded during busy hours, its a track with basketball courts retrofitted to be a gym.

A little small, but I love it

Great track and gym, but can get very crowded at peak hours.

Older building could use a remodel

Good atmosphere

I love this gym.

Classic venue for indoor track and field

The doors lock behind you, youll have to walk across the field to climb a fence and get out.

Great place to exercise.

Hoopers unite here

Only one squat rack...

Great

Football!

Do

Not ac