Andrew Pace
The Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, home to Indiana University's men's and women's basketball teams, has a capacity of 17,222. The arena, which opened in 1971, has been renovated over the years and features steep bleacher seating to accommodate its large capacity. In 2024, plans were approved for a new $110 million IU basketball arena in downtown Indianapolis with a capacity of around 4,500 seats. This new arena, known as the IU Indianapolis Athletics Center, is expected to be completed by 2026.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall |
| Location | Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana |
| Capacity | 17,222 |
| Year Opened | 1971 |
| Cost | $26.6 million |
| Teams | Indiana Hoosiers men's basketball and women's basketball teams |
| Court Name | Branch McCracken Court |
| Court Dimensions | N/A |
| Recent Renovations | New scoreboard, updated bathrooms and concession stands, box seat-style seating, improved HVAC and infrastructure systems, enhanced broadcast technology |
| Future Plans | In 2024, plans were approved for a new $110 million, 4,500-seat arena in downtown Indianapolis for the IU Indianapolis men's and women's basketball teams |
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What You'll Learn
- The Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Indiana has a capacity of 17,222
- The Assembly Hall is known for being one of the loudest venues in college basketball
- Indiana University trustees approved the construction of a new basketball arena in 2007
- The new IU Indianapolis Athletics Center will have 4,500 seats
- The $110 million bowl-shaped arena will be open in 2026
The Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Indiana has a capacity of 17,222
The Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Indiana, has a capacity of 17,222. The arena, located on the campus of Indiana University, is home to the Indiana Hoosiers men's and women's basketball teams. It opened in 1971, replacing the "New" IU Fieldhouse, and was renamed in 2016 after a gift from Indiana alumna Cindy Simon Skjodt helped fund much-needed renovations. The Assembly Hall is known for its steep sides, which contribute to its capacity and make it one of the loudest venues in college basketball.
The Assembly Hall has a rich history of hosting notable events beyond basketball, including presidential speeches and music performances. It has been the home of three NCAA National Championship teams and has seen over six million fans attend men's basketball games since its opening. The court is named after Branch McCracken, the men's basketball coach who led Indiana University to its first two NCAA National Championships in 1940 and 1953.
The Assembly Hall underwent significant renovations in 2014, including the addition of a state-of-the-art video scoreboard, remodelled bathrooms and concession stands, and box seat-style seating. The south lobby was restructured with a new entryway and atrium, and escalators replaced ramps. Behind the scenes, the arena's HVAC and other infrastructure systems were updated, and a broadcast technology centre was added.
In 2018, the new Roberts Family Team Center was completed, featuring the Andy Mohr Locker Room, the Oladipo Zeller Legacy Lounge, the Tim Garl Athletic Training Room, and the Basketball Coaches annex. Indiana University trustees had considered demolishing the Assembly Hall in 2007, but ultimately decided against it due to the high cost of constructing a new arena. Instead, they opted to renovate the existing Assembly Hall, ensuring it remains a modern and iconic home for Indiana University basketball.
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The Assembly Hall is known for being one of the loudest venues in college basketball
The Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall is a 17,222-seat arena on the campus of Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. It is home to the Indiana Hoosiers men's and women's basketball teams. The Assembly Hall is well-known for being one of the loudest venues in college basketball, thanks to a combination of passionate fans and its unique design.
The Assembly Hall was opened in 1971, replacing the "New" IU Fieldhouse. The court is named after Branch McCracken, the men's basketball coach who led the university to its first two NCAA National Championships in 1940 and 1953. Indiana officials spent four years constructing the Assembly Hall, which was intended to be aesthetically pleasing, have a large capacity, and offer modern conveniences.
The Assembly Hall's reputation as one of the loudest venues in college basketball is due in part to its unique design. The rows of seats bear down on the court at a steep angle, creating an intimate and loud atmosphere. The student section, with 7,800 seats, is the largest in the country and contributes significantly to the noise levels. Hoosier fans are known for their passion and enthusiasm, and when Cody Zeller made a key steal against Michigan State, the arena reached a deafening 115.3 dB.
The Assembly Hall has been the site of many historic moments in Indiana University's basketball history. Since its opening, over six million fans have attended men's basketball games, and the men's team has posted impressive home winning streaks of 50 and 35 games. The venue has hosted three national championships, 32 straight winning teams, and 14 conference champions. During the 2015-2016 season, both the men's and women's teams went undefeated at the Assembly Hall.
The Assembly Hall has undergone several renovations and upgrades over the years to maintain its status as a premier college basketball venue. In 2014, a large state-of-the-art video scoreboard was installed, along with box seat-style seating above the south baseline bleachers. The south lobby was restructured with a new entryway and atrium, and escalators replaced ramps. The Assembly Hall's infrastructure was also updated, including HVAC systems and broadcast technology.
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Indiana University trustees approved the construction of a new basketball arena in 2007
Indiana University's basketball team has a rich history of success, with over six million fans attending men's basketball games at the Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall since its opening in 1971. The Assembly Hall has been home to three national championships, 32 straight winning teams, and 14 conference champions.
However, on June 22, 2007, Indiana University trustees approved the demolition of the Assembly Hall and the construction of a new basketball arena. The trustees decided that constructing a new arena, which would cost $130 million, was a more viable option than renovating the existing arena for $115 million. This decision was made to bolster the burgeoning campus' athletic program and address the need for a larger venue to accommodate the success of the basketball team and its growing fan base.
The new arena, known as the IU Indianapolis Athletics Center, will be located in downtown Indianapolis on a 7-acre green space. It will be a multi-sport arena with a capacity of approximately 4,100 to 4,500 seats, a significant upgrade from the previous facility, which had only 1,215 seats. The $110 million bowl-shaped arena is expected to open in 2026 and will be home to the IU Indianapolis men's and women's basketball teams, as well as the women's volleyball program and university athletic offices.
The approval of the new arena construction demonstrates Indiana University's commitment to excellence in athletics and providing modern and spacious facilities for its students and the community. The IU Indianapolis Athletics Center will not only enhance the athletic programs but also create opportunities for residents and visitors to engage with the campus and enjoy a variety of sporting events.
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The new IU Indianapolis Athletics Center will have 4,500 seats
Indiana University's basketball arena, the Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, has a capacity of 17,222 seats. However, the university is expanding its athletic infrastructure by constructing a new multi-sport arena in downtown Indianapolis, known as the IU Indianapolis Athletics Center. This $110 million project is expected to be completed by autumn 2026 and will provide 4,500 seats for spectators.
The IU Indianapolis Athletics Center will be a significant addition to the university's sports district, occupying a 7-acre green space in the heart of the city. The arena will not only host basketball games but also serve as a venue for volleyball, wrestling, and other recreational activities. The retractable seating design will allow for flexible configurations, catering to the needs of various sports and events.
The facility will include a basketball/volleyball court, locker rooms, training facilities, and offices for IU Indianapolis Athletics and select National Sporting Governing Bodies. Additionally, it will feature a gently curved roof structure, large video displays, and a mix of metal panel walls and glazing, creating a modern and innovative space.
The construction of the IU Indianapolis Athletics Center reflects Indiana University's commitment to excellence in athletics and its dedication to engaging with the community. The new arena will provide increased opportunities for residents and visitors to connect with the campus and participate in a variety of sporting events and activities.
With a capacity of 4,500 seats, the IU Indianapolis Athletics Center will be a substantial upgrade from the previous 1,215-seat facility used by the men's basketball team, known as The Jungle. The new arena will enhance the profile of the university's athletic programs and provide a world-class venue for both collegiate and high school sports.
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The $110 million bowl-shaped arena will be open in 2026
Indiana University's current basketball arena, the Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, is a 17,222-seat arena in Bloomington, Indiana. However, Indiana University has approved plans for a new $110 million multi-sport arena in downtown Indianapolis. The IU Indianapolis Athletics Centre will be a bowl-shaped arena with about 4,100 seats and is expected to be open in 2026.
The new arena will be home to the IU Indianapolis men's and women's basketball and women's volleyball programs, as well as university athletic offices. The Indiana University Board of Trustees approved the construction of the 134,500-square-foot facility on Friday, 17 June 2024. The new arena will occupy part of a 7-acre green space at the northwest corner of Blackford and Wabash Streets, between the Herron School of Art and Design and the Military Park to the south.
The idea of a new arena for IUPUI has been considered since the school joined the NCAA's Division I in 2000. The men's basketball team played in a 1,215-seat facility on the main floor of the Natatorium, called The Jungle. Ron Hunter, the men's basketball head coach at the time, advocated for a larger venue to help raise the team's profile. Since 2014, the IUPUI men's basketball team has played its home games at the 6,800-seat Indiana Farmers Coliseum at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
The new IU arena will feature a separate practice gym, concession stands, locker rooms for men's and women's basketball and volleyball, athletic training facilities, and office space for USA Track and Field. The seating bowl will be in a single-rake format, with a uniform upward slope set into the ground at grade level. The open-concourse arena will offer 360-degree views of the event floor and will have special event seating for almost 5,000 attendees.
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Frequently asked questions
The Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, the basketball arena of Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, has a seating capacity of 17,222.
The Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall opened in 1971, replacing the "New" IU Fieldhouse.
The construction of the Assembly Hall cost $26.6 million.
Yes, the Assembly Hall underwent renovations in 2016 thanks to a gift from Indiana alumna Cindy Simon Skjodt. The renovations included a new scoreboard and updated facilities.
The new IU Indianapolis Athletics Center will be a 134,500-square-foot facility with a seating capacity of approximately 4,500.
