History Lesson w/ Bill Murphy:

The New Fieldhouse

Written By: Bill Murphy

The Old Fieldhouse was the Hoosiers home from 1928 to 1960, Assembly Hall would become Indiana's home from 1971 to the present in between the New Fieldhouse would serve as the temporary home court for Indiana from 1960 to 1971.

By 1940, under the supervision of athletic director Paul Harrell, it became apparent that the IU athletic complex needed an upgrade. Plans were put in place to build new football and basketball homes for the Hoosiers.

The New Fieldhouse, as it became known, would be built second after Memorial Stadium for football. It would be built in 1960 at a cost of 1.7 million. The New Fieldhouse would seat 10,300 fans. It would have twice as much lighting as the Old Fieldhouse. Other features included: wooden bleachers, folding chairs on a dirt floor, and no air conditioning. Small trailers were set up where fans could purchase soft drinks, popcorn, hot dogs, and peanuts.

The New Fieldhouse would witness record setting feats such as Walt Bellamy's 33-rebound game. Rayl's two 56-point games. In 1967, 3,000 football fans would watch Indiana 's Rose Bowl team play Michigan State for two dollars a person plus Indiana's 1967 Big Ten championship basketball team.

This stadium was home to famous Hoosier basketball stars Walt Bellamy, Jim Rayl, Tom Bolyard, Tom and Dick Van Arsdale, Max Walker , Vern Payne, Butch Joyner, Big George McGinnis, and Steve Downing.

Although it was Indiana 's home for such a short time it would be remembered fondly by fans lucky enough to see games there.