Wisconsin Field House facts for kids
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UW Field House
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A volleyball match at the field house in 2017
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| Location | 1450 Monroe St. Madison, WI 53711 |
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| Owner | University of Wisconsin–Madison |
| Operator | University of Wisconsin–Madison |
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| Construction | |
| Broke ground | September 26, 1929 |
| Opened | December 13, 1930 |
| Construction cost | $434,000 |
| Architect | Arthur Peabody, Paul Cret, William Christenson |
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University of Wisconsin Field House
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| Area | 2 acres (0.81 ha) |
| Architectural style | Italian Renaissance |
| NRHP reference No. | 98000829 |
| Added to NRHP | July 1, 1998 |
The Wisconsin Field House, also known as the UW Field House, is a large building at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. It is used for many different things. You can find it right next to Camp Randall Stadium.
This building is mostly famous for hosting exciting sports events. But it has also been a place for big community gatherings. These include special ceremonies and even concerts! The Field House is so important that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998. This means it is a special historical landmark.
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What is the UW Field House?
The UW Field House is a multi-purpose arena. This means it can be used for many different activities. It is owned by the University of Wisconsin–Madison. The building is a key part of the university's sports history.
Sports Played Here
Over the years, many sports teams have called the Field House home.
- The Wisconsin Badgers men's basketball team played here from 1930 to 1998.
- The Wisconsin Badgers women's basketball team also played here from 1974 to 1998.
- Today, the Wisconsin Badgers volleyball team plays their games here. They have been here since 1986.
- The Wisconsin Badgers wrestling team has also used the Field House since 1930.
- From 1933 to 1960, the university even had a successful boxing program here.
How Many People Can Fit?
The Field House has changed over time to hold more or fewer people.
- When it first opened in 1930, about 8,000 people could watch events.
- In 1939, a new balcony was added, increasing the space to 12,000 seats.
- After 1998, when basketball teams moved, the seating was reduced to 6,012.
- Recently, more seats were opened up for volleyball games. Now, it can hold 7,052 fans.
History of the Field House
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The University of Wisconsin started supporting team sports a long time ago, in the 1800s. In 1892, the university built the Red Gym for indoor sports. Then, in 1893, they bought Camp Randall for outdoor playing fields.
Basketball became very popular at the university starting in 1898. But the Red Gym was too small. It could only fit 2,240 people. People even called it "the little cigar box gym."
Planning a New Building
In 1925, university leaders started talking about needing a bigger space. George Little, the athletic director, really pushed for a new building. The new UW Field House was officially opened in 1930.
The building was designed by William F. Stevens and John Knudsen. They worked with State Architect Arthur Peabody. The Field House was built in the Renaissance Revival style. This style matched other older buildings on campus. It has a strong concrete base and steel frame. The outside is covered in beautiful Madison sandstone.
Important Moments and Events
The Field House has seen many important events over the years.
- It opened in 1930 with 9,000 people attending a dedication and a basketball game.
- From 1933 to 1960, it was home to a successful college boxing team.
- In 1941, the Field House hosted a big basketball tournament. The Badgers won this tournament and later became national champions!
- Also in 1941, the university president told students about the bombing of Pearl Harbor here.
- In 1945, a celebration for Germany's surrender in World War II happened at the Field House.
- The Wisconsin volleyball team had its first-ever "sellout" game here in 2007. This means every ticket was sold!
Recent Changes and Updates
In 2020, the outside of the Field House got a fresh new look. Windows were replaced, and a new walking area was created. This helps keep the historic building looking great for many more years.
The "W" Crest
At the very top of the Field House, there is a special "W" symbol. No one knows for sure who designed it. But this "W" crest is now often used as the main symbol for the entire University of Wisconsin–Madison. It is a very important part of the university's identity.
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