Indiana University's basketball team has a rich history of success, and its home court, Assembly Hall, is often referred to as Hoosier Heaven. Located in Bloomington, Indiana, the arena has been the site of many thrilling victories and memorable moments for the Hoosiers. In this article, we'll delve into the history of Assembly Hall, its design and features, and what makes it such a beloved venue for Indiana University basketball fans.
A Rich History of Success
Indiana University's basketball program has a long and storied history, with five NCAA championships and 22 Big Ten Conference titles. The team has been playing its home games at Assembly Hall since 1971, and the arena has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years. Despite these changes, the venue has maintained its iconic status as one of the toughest and most electric environments in college basketball.
Design and Features
Assembly Hall was designed by the architectural firm of Eggers & Higgins, and its construction was completed in 1971 at a cost of $6.5 million. The arena has a seating capacity of approximately 17,222, making it one of the largest on-campus arenas in the country. The venue's design features a unique "assembly" style, with a circular arrangement of seats and a suspended roof that provides excellent acoustics.
One of the most distinctive features of Assembly Hall is its iconic glass sculpture, "The IU Logo," which is suspended from the ceiling above the court. The sculpture was designed by artist Dale Chihuly and is made up of over 1,000 pieces of glass. The logo has become an instantly recognizable symbol of Indiana University's basketball program.
What Makes Assembly Hall Special
So what makes Assembly Hall such a beloved venue for Indiana University basketball fans? Here are just a few reasons:
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Electric Atmosphere
Assembly Hall is known for its electric atmosphere, with a loud and passionate fan base that creates an intimidating environment for opposing teams. The venue's design, with its suspended roof and circular seating arrangement, helps to amplify the noise and energy of the crowd.
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Rich History and Tradition
Indiana University's basketball program has a rich history of success, and Assembly Hall has been the site of many memorable moments and victories. The venue is steeped in tradition, with a passionate fan base that is proud to support the Hoosiers.
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State-of-the-Art Facilities
Assembly Hall has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, and it now features state-of-the-art facilities and amenities. The venue includes a modern scoreboard, video boards, and a advanced sound system, making it an ideal location for watching college basketball.
Notable Moments in Assembly Hall History
Assembly Hall has been the site of many notable moments in Indiana University basketball history. Here are just a few examples:
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1981 NCAA Championship
In 1981, the Hoosiers won their fifth NCAA championship, defeating North Carolina 63-50 in the title game. The team was led by coach Bob Knight and featured stars like Isiah Thomas and Mike Woodson.
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1993 Big Ten Championship
In 1993, the Hoosiers won the Big Ten Conference championship, defeating Purdue 82-79 in the title game. The team was led by coach Bobby Knight and featured stars like Calbert Cheaney and Brian Evans.
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2013 Assembly Hall Renovation
In 2013, Assembly Hall underwent a major renovation, which included the installation of a new scoreboard, video boards, and a advanced sound system. The renovation also featured the addition of new seating areas and amenities.
Gallery of Indiana University Basketball
FAQs
What is the seating capacity of Assembly Hall?
+The seating capacity of Assembly Hall is approximately 17,222.
When was Assembly Hall built?
+Assembly Hall was built in 1971.
What is the name of the glass sculpture suspended from the ceiling of Assembly Hall?
+The glass sculpture is called "The IU Logo" and was designed by artist Dale Chihuly.
In conclusion, Assembly Hall is a beloved venue for Indiana University basketball fans, with a rich history of success and a state-of-the-art facility. The arena's electric atmosphere, combined with its iconic design and features, make it an ideal location for watching college basketball. Whether you're a die-hard Hoosiers fan or just visiting Bloomington, Assembly Hall is definitely worth a visit.