Hoosier Gym facts for kids

Exterior of Hoosier Gym in 2017.

Hoosier Gym during a 2017 game. Notice there's no center line. The court is not full size. Teams can cross the front line and then move back to the rear line.

The Hoosier Gym is a famous basketball gym, museum, and community center. You can find it in Knightstown, Indiana. It became super well-known because it was a filming spot for the 1986 basketball movie Hoosiers. In the movie, the gym was the home court for the "Hickory Huskers" team. Even today, the gym looks just like it did when the movie was filmed in 1985. Lots of people visit the gym every year, about 80,000!

The Hoosier Gym's Story

Building the First Gym

Back in 1920, the Knightstown Community School didn't have its own gym. Basketball games were played in other places. These included Bell's Hall, which was above Jolly's Drugstore. Games also happened in the basement gym of the Presbyterian Church.

In February 1921, some business people in Knightstown met. They wanted to build a proper place for kids to play sports. After talking a lot, they decided to build a "gymnasium and community house." To get money, they asked people for help. Over 250 citizens and local businesses gave more than $14,400.

The gym was finished on December 1, 1921. It was 105 feet (32 m) long and 80 feet (24 m) wide. This new gym was big enough for basketball games and fans. It also hosted many town events.

After the gym was built, more money was needed. This money would pay for things like heating and cleaning. So, professional basketball teams started playing there. Teams like the EmRoes and Michigan Rails played games. Even players from colleges came to play against local teams.

Within four years, the school board paid off the gym. They then took full control of the building.

Adding More to the Gym

As Knightstown grew, the gym needed to grow too. In 1936, the school board made big changes. They used money from a government program called the Works Progress Administration (WPA). This program helped people find jobs during tough economic times.

The project gave the gym a new look outside. It got a new front entrance and a lobby. They also added dressing rooms in the basement.

In 1952, the gym was made even bigger. Three classrooms were added on the east side. A kitchen and restrooms were also built. These new spaces helped the school's art, music, and science classes.

Why the Gym Closed

By 1966, the old gym was not used much anymore. A new high school and gym were built in town. The Knightstown Panthers played their last game at the old gym in February that year. So, after 45 years of serving the town, the gym closed. For the next 19 years, it was mostly empty.

The Hoosiers Movie

Inside the gym in 2017. It still looks like it did in the 1986 movie. You can see the "Go Hickory" banner and the team photo from the film.

In 1985, the gym became famous again. A film crew came to Knightstown to make the movie Hoosiers. This movie was about "Hoosier Hysteria." That's what people called Indiana's huge love for basketball. The old gym was the perfect place for filming. About one-third of the movie was filmed right there. Because the movie was so popular, the old Knightstown gym became known as the Hoosier Gym.

The Gym Reopens

By 1988, the gym was almost torn down. The old school next door, which was 112 years old, was replaced. Two groups stepped in to help save the gym. These were Historic Knightstown and Historic Landmarks of Indiana.

Now, the gym is busy again! It hosts about 80 high school basketball games each year. Also, every year, the gym holds the Hoosiers Reunion All-Star Classic. This event brings together Indiana's best high school athletes. They play against each other on teams named "Hickory" and "Terhune," just like in the movie.