Honestly, if you’ve ever walked through the Brookland neighborhood in D.C., you’ve probably seen that massive red brick fortress sitting on the edge of The Catholic University of America (CUA). That’s the Raymond A. Dufour Athletic Center. It isn't just some dusty college weight room where students go to burn off cafeteria pizza. It’s a 144,000-square-foot beast of a building that has seen everything from NBA practices to high school championships and even massive overnight sleepovers for pilgrims.
Most people just call it "DuFour." Built back in 1985, it serves as the beating heart for 25 varsity sports. But for the average visitor or student, it’s a bit of a maze. You’ve got the pool, the courts, the heavy weights, and those long hallways filled with more trophies than you can count.
What’s Actually Inside the Raymond A. Dufour Athletic Center?
You walk in and the first thing you notice is the lobby. It’s surprisingly modern now, thanks to some serious facelifts over the years. They’ve got these massive dimensional logos and environmental graphics that make it feel like a big-time sports hub.
One of the crown jewels is Franny Murray Court. Named after the legendary equipment manager who spent decades at the school, this is where the basketball and volleyball magic happens. They ripped up the old floor in 2017 and put in new chairback seating. It’s tight. It’s loud. When the Catholic U Cardinals are playing a conference rival, the energy gets trapped under that low ceiling and it honestly feels like a mini Division I arena.
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Then there’s the pool. It’s a six-lane, 25-yard setup. If you’re a competitive swimmer, you know the struggle of bad sightlines, but here the spectator area is designed so you can actually see the whole race without craning your neck.
- Weight Room: Packed with free weights and racks. It’s the primary training ground for the varsity athletes.
- Kane Fitness Center: Now, don't get these confused. While varsity athletes live in DuFour, the Kane Center (located nearby) is usually the go-to for regular student workouts, though DuFour still handles the heavy lifting—literally.
- The Track: There’s an indoor track that circles the upper level of the gym. It’s great for getting miles in when D.C. weather turns into a swamp or a tundra.
The Weird and Wonderful History of the Building
You might think an athletic center is only for, well, athletics. Not DuFour. One of the coolest—and most chaotic—things that happens here is the annual "sleepover" during the March for Life.
Back in the day, the gym would transform into a giant hotel for over 1,000 pilgrims. Imagine 5:00 a.m. wake-up calls, boys on one side of a partition, girls on the other, and student volunteers walking the upper track to make sure nobody was causing trouble. It’s that kind of community utility that makes the Raymond A. Dufour Athletic Center unique.
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The building itself is named after Raymond DuFour, a 1928 alum who was a triple-threat athlete in baseball, basketball, and football. The guy was a legend, and the university didn't hold back when they dedicated the space. In 2016, a massive $2.5 million anonymous donation kicked off another round of renovations. They turned old racquetball courts into sleek new locker rooms and office suites. It was a "game changer," as the AD at the time said, especially for recruiting.
Getting There and Getting In
If you’re heading there for a game, parking can be a headache if you aren't prepared. The main lot is right off John McCormack Road.
- Parking: It’s about $2 an hour via the FlowBird app. Not bad for D.C., honestly.
- Metro: The Brookland-CUA station (Red Line) is a short walk away. Just follow the signs toward the athletic fields.
- Tickets: Most basketball games will run you about $8. They’ve gone digital, so you’ll need the HomeTown ticketing app or whatever they’re using this season.
One thing to keep in mind: food. There isn't a full-blown concession stand inside DuFour. You’ll find vending machines in the lobby for snacks and water, but if you’re starving, you’re better off hitting up Busboys and Poets or Brookland Pint right across Michigan Avenue before or after the game.
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Is It Just for Students?
This is where it gets a little tricky. Generally, the fitness facilities like the weight room and pool are reserved for current students, faculty, and staff. You usually need a valid Cardinal Card to get through the gates.
However, the center is a hub for the D.C. community. It hosts Special Olympics events, high school playoffs, and even practice sessions for visiting NBA teams who need a quiet place to shoot around before playing the Wizards. If you’re a local, you’re most likely going to be in DuFour as a spectator rather than a gym-goer.
Actionable Tips for Visiting
- Check the Schedule: Before you show up to swim laps, check the CUA Athletics site. If there’s a meet, the pool is closed to everyone else.
- Bring a Layer: Even in the summer, the AC in the gym can be aggressive.
- Sign the Waiver: If you’re a student using the facility for the first time, you have to sign an "Assumption of Risk" form. Don't be that person holding up the line at the front desk.
- Respect the Floor: They are very protective of the Franny Murray Court. No outside shoes on the hardwood—guards will catch you.
Whether you're there to watch a nail-biter of a basketball game or you're a student-athlete grinding through a 6:00 a.m. lift, the Raymond A. Dufour Athletic Center stands as a testament to the school's sports culture. It’s a bit old-school in its brick-and-mortar feel, but the recent tech and facility upgrades keep it competitive in the Landmark Conference.
If you’re planning a visit, your best bet is to download the FlowBird app for parking and the HomeTown app for tickets ahead of time. This saves you from standing in the cold trying to get a signal on your phone. Most varsity events happen on Wednesday nights or Saturday afternoons, so plan your workout or your visit around those peak times to either join the crowd or avoid the rush.