Fox Sports: Oldest Active Basketball Arenas (Williams Arena, 93 Years)

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I got to visit the Palestra. Unfortunately it was in the summer and there wasn't even hoops up due to graduation ceremonies. So much smaller than Williams, but I bet fun to go watch a game though
 



I have the “Dedication Basketball Program” from the first game ever played in Williams Arena -- then known as the Minnesota Field House -- on February 4, 1928. The opponent was Ohio State, and the Honorary Referee was “Dr. James Naismith, Originator of Basketball,” who tossed up the ball at the start of the game. The program includes Field House Facts, among them being that work was begun on the Field House April 27, 1927, that the cost was $650,000, and that it had 9,000 permanent seats, but basketball seating capacity, with bleachers, of 14,000. It also states that “Completion of the Field House brings athletic facilities at Minnesota practically to a parity with those at other ‘Big Ten’ Universities.”
 

gopheraddict said:
It also states that “Completion of the Field House brings athletic facilities at Minnesota practically to a parity with those at other ‘Big Ten’ Universities.”
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I guess some things never change....
 

Just moved to Boston so probably hitting Matthews and Lavietes this year. Got to see Hinkle when I was doing a college tour of Butler but haven't been to a game there. Obviously been to Williams.

Old arenas are cool.
 

Whats the common theme amongst these programs with old arenas?

all are perennial top 25 programs each year!!

😹😹😹
 



Lavietes doesn't belong on that list. It's an old building but it was just an indoor track and batting cages until 1982 when they turned it into a gym.
 



Spaulding!No! said:
Once a coach blames the arena/gym/venue we may assume the ship is taking on water.
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:D Well, there are 350 Division 1 men's basketball programs. If you can find me one head coach who says that facilities don't matter, please give me his name. Thanks.

I realize that Duke plays in a dump, but Duke is Duke. Minnesota isn't Duke.

Minnesota needs to prove to high school players that Minnesota is serious about winning in men's basketball. To do that, one big booster has to get the ball rolling, and more will follow!
 





Hec Ed probably shouldn't be on this list, either. Outside shell is old, but the building was gutted out and rebuilt in the late 90s.
 

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