UCLA Will Close Wooden Center for Heat Wave

The campus facility will shut down starting Saturday to manage energy usage during extreme heat.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Forecasts

Isometric editorial illustration of a modern university building facade with concrete columns and sun-shades, representing institutional energy management. — UCLA will shutter the John Wooden Center beginning Saturday as part of a campus-wide cooling strategy to conserve energy during an extreme heat wave. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you support temporary closures of campus facilities to conserve energy during extreme heat?

UCLA will close the John Wooden Center beginning Saturday as the campus initiates a cooling plan to conserve energy. This temporary closure will last until at least Oct. 9, following an extreme heat warning issued by the National Weather Service for the region.

Why it matters

The decision is a proactive response to an intense heat wave expected to bring temperatures as high as 99 F to the Los Angeles area. By shifting cooling resources, the university aims to maintain power stability for essential campus buildings.

The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning for Los Angeles, with peak temperatures projected to reach 99 F. The heat alert begins Friday at 10 a.m. and remains in effect until Oct. 8 at 8 p.m.

The players

UCLA

The university is a major public research institution that manages various campus facilities and responds to local climate challenges.

National Weather Service

This federal agency is responsible for providing meteorological data and issuing warnings for severe weather events across the United States.

The details

UCLA Recreation will cancel all programs scheduled at the John Wooden Center for the duration of the closure. Members are encouraged to utilize alternative facilities including the Bruin Fitness Center and Drake Stadium.

Friday at 10 a.m.: The National Weather Service extreme heat warning takes effect.
Saturday: The John Wooden Center begins its temporary closure.
Monday: UCLA Recreation plans to issue an update on the facility status.
Oct. 8 at 8 p.m.: The heat warning period expires.
Oct. 9: The earliest date currently scheduled for the facility to reopen.

Seasonal Patterns

This closure follows the standard operating procedures outlined in the UCLA Cooling Response Plan to address energy demand during heat waves. It reflects a broader institutional trend of prioritizing critical infrastructure cooling during the region's most intense temperature spikes.

Students and members should relocate their fitness routines to the Bruin Fitness Center or Drake Stadium during this closure. Ensure you follow university updates on Monday to verify if the facility reopening remains scheduled for Oct. 9.

The takeaway

Proactive facility management during extreme heat waves is essential for maintaining the overall stability of the campus energy grid. Members should plan their workout schedules around the current facility availability updates to avoid disruption.