Memorial Gym is an active, multi-use facility toward the south end of campus. The programs and services housed within its walls are: a 2,500-seat gymnasium, academic and physical education classes, the Women’s Center (suite 109), the Global Student Success Program, ROTC Army (B-38), men’s and women’s locker rooms, combative room and campus recreation.

Main activities that occur in the Mem Gym:

• Vandal volleyball and basketball games
• State gymnastics meets
• Regional basketball tournaments

Building History

Commonly known as "Mem Gym," the Memorial Gymnasium was built as a memorial to all Idahoans who lost their lives in World War I, 1914-1918. In its past, the building served as a sports arena and physical education venue seating 2,500 as well the venue for U of I commencements and other events.

Now, it is the oldest athletic building on campus, with construction completed in 1928 in a collegiate gothic style of its era. The building was designed by U of I faculty members and features many architectural quirks such as the leatherhead-footballer gargoyles that decorate its walls and windows. The building had an extensive west end addition and renovation in the early-1950s; received additional exterior masonry restoration and repair in 2009; and structural, seismic bracing and repair to the Mem Gym Tower in 2012.

Today, the five-story (plus tower) concrete and brick building is a visitor favorite for its Tudor-Gothic, stained glass, heavily buttressed structure and its patriotic and historic foyer.