Memorial Gymnasium: A Legacy of Basketball and History at Vanderbilt University

Memorial Gymnasium, often called Memorial Gym, stands as a multi-purpose facility on the western side of the Vanderbilt University campus in Nashville, Tennessee. Built in 1952, it has become one of the most historic and unique basketball arenas in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the nation. Its unusual design and storied history have created a home-court advantage for the Vanderbilt Commodores, fostering countless memorable moments and earning the affectionate nickname "Memorial Magic".

Architectural Origins and Design

The construction of Memorial Gymnasium was completed in 1952. Noted architect Edwin A. Keeble, a Vanderbilt University graduate, designed the facility. Keeble was also responsible for the design of six National Guard Armories, located in Columbia, Lawrenceburg, Cookeville, Shelbyville, Centerville, and Murfreesboro. He was entrusted by Vanderbilt University to construct this new memorial that would serve as a multipurpose sports, and fine arts facility. Keeble found inspiration for the gym’s unusual design, which features a court that sits above portions of the crowd, while studying architecture in France.

Memorial Gymnasium was constructed in 1952 as a memorial to Vanderbilt students and alumni who lost their lives serving in World War II. A plaque commemorating these individuals is displayed in the lobby.

Keeble designed Memorial Gym in a way that would be suitable for fine art, and sport. He designed the building with a raised floor, or stage. He designed the bleachers in a way that would prevent players and balls from flying into the stands. He wanted to make sure that the players and performers had ample space to perform.

The gym's distinctive design includes:

Read also: Vanderbilt University Alumni

Raised Floor: The playing court is elevated above the surrounding areas, creating a stage-like atmosphere.
Baseline Benches: The home and visitor benches are situated on the baselines instead of the sidelines, a feature now unique in major college basketball.
Acoustics: The gym's design creates a deafening atmosphere.

Keeble saw architecture “as a spiritual thing,” his son recalled. Keeble also thought that architects had a responsibility not only to their clients but to society at large, whether they were designing a church, a home or an office building. “All buildings,” he said, “should be from pleasant to exciting. Even factories can be interesting and dramatic. Humanity, beauty and function should never be sacrificed for supposed efficiency, artificial grandeur or ego, he believed.

A History of Expansion and Renovation

Originally designed to hold 6,583 spectators, the gym has since undergone multiple expansions and has more than doubled its seating capacity to 14,316. After Keeble won the Memorial Gym project, construction began in 1950 and was completed two years later. The dedication game was played on Dec.

The gym has expanded three times. Constructed with a seating capacity of 6,583, the University saw its first need to increase seating in 1965 with the addition of two north-side balconies. Capacity has fluctuated throughout the history of the building. It reached its highest number of 15,646 in 1969 when 4,000 seats were added in the east and west ends. When chairback seats in the end zones and suites on the north side were installed in the late 1990s capacity lowered to 14,316.

In 2002, a $25 million renovation of Memorial Gymnasium was completed, highlighted by yet another one-of-a-kind feature. Connected to the facility sits a new practice gym that includes a three cross-court playing floor, coaching offices, a donor room and a Hall of Champions. Other aspects of the renovation included upgrades of the seating areas, private suites, a new lighting and sound system and a new court design.

After the 2012 season, a new video board was installed inside Memorial Gym.

Read also: Legacy of Vanderbilt University

"Memorial Magic": Home Court Advantage

Memorial Gymnasium is one of the oldest basketball arenas in the country, and the oldest in the Southeastern Conference. It is referred to often as "The Fenway Park of College Basketball." Fans use the slogan "Memorial Magic" to refer to the Commodore's home court advantage. In fact Vanderbilt has such a home court advantage, that the Commodore's have made at least one three point shot in every game in Memorial Gym, or anywhere else for that matter. The legend goes that some "magical dust" was sprinkled into the Memorial Gym rafters shortly after its construction. In any case, there have been numerous "magical" moments for the Commodores since the gym's opening.

The unique style of Memorial Gymnasium - with its benches situated on the baseline, a playing court that sits above portions of the crowd and deafening acoustics - continues to make the Commodores’ home a dreaded stop for opponents. “Memorial Magic,” with its capacity crowds, overflowing student section and lively pep band have assisted in numerous Commodore victories. In the stands, fans across Middle Tennessee have helped Memorial Gymnasium (capacity 14,316) rank among the NCAA’s top 30 attendance leaders in men’s basketball 23 times since 1977. The women’s team has also been among the nation’s attendance leaders.

Memorable Moments

Since that first game campus game on Dec. 6, 1952, a 90-83 victory over Virginia, the magic dust has been sprinkling on Vanderbilt players from time to time. Some Commodore basketball players have been transformed into heroes causing students to charge the floor.

March 5, 1959 vs. Baylor: During the final game of the season, in a year an experimental 24-second shot clock was used, the Commodores were trailing in the second half by as much as 11 points.
Jan. 2, 1963 vs. Western Kentucky: While being tied with the Hilltoppers 69-69 with 30 seconds left, the Commodores held the ball for one final shot. Roger Schurig took the ball to the left side of the basket. Schurig put up a one-handed shot with two seconds that swished through the basket. The Commodores won the non-conference game, 71-69.
Jan. 16, 1963 vs. Tennessee: Vanderbilt got a break when the Volunteers missed a free throw with three seconds left and a 68-68 score.
March 2, 1963 vs. Georgia Tech: Trailing 74-73, Roger Schurig hit a jump shot at the buzzer for the 75-74 Vanderbilt win.
Jan. 6, 1964 vs. Kentucky: When the second-ranked Wildcats came into Memorial Gymnasium, the fans were ready for a close game. The game was tied at 83 when John Ed Miller took and inbounds pass and penetrated towards the goal with seconds remaining. Surprised that his Wildcat opponent didn't cover him closely, Miller pulled up at the free throw line and swished the game-winner.
Feb. 8, 1964 vs. LSU: With four seconds left and the scored tied at 64, Miller tossed another shot from the foul line, but missed. All-American center Clyde Lee was in position to grab the rebound and scored the winning basket.
Dec. 12, 1967 vs. Davidson: With the scored tied at 79, Vanderbilt held the ball with 1:24 remaining and took a timeout with 19 seconds left.
Dec. 16, 1967 vs. Duke: The Blue Devils took a 75-74 lead over the Commodores with 26 seconds remaining. A timeout was called at the 17-second mark by Vanderbilt to draw up a play.
Jan. 5, 1974 vs. Alabama: Spotting teammate Joe Ford open, Feher passed the pass, but Ford was immediately covered. Feher dashed under the basket. Ford threw a bullet pass to Feher who made a layup with just five seconds left.
Jan. 15, 1986 vs. Tennessee: With the Commodores trailing 59-51 with less than a minute remaining, Barry Goheen led his team to nine unanswered points. Goheen scored the last five points to pull out the improbable win. The guard hit a 10-footer from the left baseline with four seconds left to tie the game.
January 2007 vs. Tennessee: 3.7 seconds on the clock, Derrick Byars grabbed a Ross Neltner inbound pass. Byars raced to the right of the basket, but missed a contested layup. Shan Foster took the rebound from the left side and his put back was good as the buzzer sounded. Vanderbilt beat the Vols 82-81.
March 5, 2008 vs. Mississippi State: Shan Foster hit nine consecutive three-pointers (including a 22-footer and a 25-footer), all of which were contested, and unleashed a career-high 42 points on the visiting 25th-ranked Mississippi State Bulldogs, including the game-winning basket, to push then 16th-ranked Vanderbilt to an 86-85 overtime victory which gave the Commodores their first undefeated season at Memorial since the 1992-1993 season.
February 27, 2016 vs. Kentucky: Matthew Fisher-Davis tied his career-high with 20 points, and Vanderbilt upset No. 16 Kentucky 74-62 on Saturday for its third straight victory and first over the Wildcats at Memorial Gym since 2011.

Beyond Basketball

Memorial Gym has also hosted numerous concerts, plays, and even a World Boxing Championship super middleweight elimination bout in 2008.

Other Historic Gymnasiums

Memorial Gym is among the nation's oldest basketball arenas:

Read also: Lifelong Learning Through Travel

Rose Hill Gym - Fordham - Jan.
The Palestra - Penn - Jan.
Hec Edmundson Pavilion - Washington - Dec.
Williams Arena - Minnesota - Feb.
Payne Whitney Gym - Yale - Dec.
Devlin Fieldhouse - Tulane - Dec.
Gallagher-Iba Arena - Oklahoma State - Dec.
Fairgrounds Coliseum - IUPUI - Aug.
Cameron Indoor Stadium - Duke - Jan.
Gallagher Center - Niagara University - Nov.
Gill Colliseum - Oregon State - Dec.
MAC Center - Kent State - Dec.
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum - IPFW - Sep.
Welsh-Ryan Arena - Northwestern - Dec.
Memorial Gym - Vanderbilt - 1952 - Dec.

Conclusion

Memorial Gymnasium stands as a testament to Vanderbilt University's rich athletic history and architectural heritage. From its unique design to the countless memorable moments it has hosted, Memorial Gym continues to be a special place for Vanderbilt students, alumni, and fans. Its legacy as "The Fenway Park of College Basketball" is secure, and "Memorial Magic" will continue to inspire Commodore teams for generations to come.

Alumni Hall: A Complementary Piece of Vanderbilt's History

While Memorial Gymnasium is renowned for its athletic significance, Alumni Hall offers a contrasting yet equally important dimension to Vanderbilt's historical landscape. Originally opened in 1925, Alumni Hall served as the original student center before transitioning into administrative offices. Its architectural significance was formally recognized in 2011 when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Architectural Significance and Purpose

Nashville architect Henry C. designed Alumni Hall. The driving force behind the building of Alumni Hall was to memorialize the Vanderbilt men who fought and died in World War I. This campaign was brought forward in March 1919, by the Vanderbilt Alumni Association board. This shaped one of the distinguishing features of the building, which is located in the Memorial Room on the second floor.

Renovation and Modernization

The renovation of Alumni Hall was the first in its 86-year history and maintains the integrity of the building’s architectural history. The Vanderbilt Board of Trust approved the project in November 2011 to support a wide range of activities. The updated facility supports catered dining, meetings, studying, and socializing. Construction began immediately following Commencement in May 2012, with completion in Summer 2013. The renovation not only included updating the current spaces inside the building but also expanding the terraces on both the east and west sides of the building.

tags: #alumni #gym #vanderbilt #history