Memorial Gymnasium (Virginia)
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| Memorial Gymnasium | |
|---|---|
| Mem Gym | |
| Location | 210 Emmet Street South |
| Opened | 1925 |
| Renovated | 2005 |
| Owner | University of Virginia |
| Operator | University of Virginia |
| Surface | wood court |
| Tenants | Virginia Cavaliers (Volleyball & Wrestling) |
| Capacity | 2,500 |
Memorial Gymnasium is a 2,500 seat multi-purpose arena in Charlottesville, Virginia. It opened in 1924. It was home to the University of Virginia Cavaliers basketball team until it was replaced when University Hall opened in 1965.
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[edit] History
Established originally as a memorial to the University's World War I casualties, this elegant facility continues to play a vital role in the athletic, recreational, and physical education kinesiology programs on Grounds.
[edit] Current usage
Currently, Memorial Gymnasium, commonly known as Mem Gym to Virginia students, hosts the school wrestling and volleyball teams, and is also used by the school as an intramural sports venue. The building includes a swimming pool, workout center, and boxing practice facilities, as well as an indoor jogging track that circles the gymnasium on the second floor.
[edit] Recent renovations
An anonymous gift of $845,500 provided for extensive improvements to 79-year-old "Mem Gym," which was home to the U.Va. basketball program for 42 seasons before University Hall opened in 1965. It was also the past home of the U.Va swim and dive teams and indoor track teams. After renovations, the building - now used extensively by the University's intramural programs - also serves as the home arena for the Cavaliers' wrestling and women's volleyball teams.
[edit] Notable events
Mem Gym was the site of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's "Stab in the Back" speech on June 10, 1940, when, in the middle of giving his commencement address to the graduating class, he was informed of the alliance between Italy and Nazi Germany.
