State Gym: Iowa Time Machine March 2, 1945

Iowa Time Machine ⏰: On March 2, 1945, the Cyclones men’s basketball team played the final official home game at State Gym. The early home of Cyclone hoops, the story of State Gym continues to unfold on Iowa State’s campus today.

The building cost roughly $150,000 to construct and slowly rose on Iowa State’s campus over two years. When opened to students in 1913, the State Gym included a swimming pool, handball courts, and a running track. During 1918 and 1919, the gym became a dining hall for army recruits on campus.

The Iowa State basketball team played in the arena from 1913 until 1946. Beginning in 1946, home basketball games were held at the Iowa State Armory, where they continued until the construction of Hilton Coliseum in 1971. A fire damaged the State Gym in 1962, prompting a major 1967 renovation that included a new track and other improvements.

During the late 20th century, renovations breathed new life into the State Gym, which now offers recreational facilities, including four basketball courts, a swimming pool (the original home of the ISU swim team), tennis courts, an indoor track, and other recreational facilities. #Iowa #OTD #History #Basketball #Gyms