Community launches public campaign to support Huntingburg Memorial Gym upgrades
On the 75th anniversary of the iconic 6,092-seat venue, a committee of local leaders invites the region to help preserve and revitalize this Hoosier Hysteria landmark.
Huntingburg — Seventy-five years ago today, the people of Huntingburg dedicated Memorial Gym—then one of the largest high school gymnasiums in Southern Indiana.
Designed by architect Ralph Legeman with its distinctive sunken bowl, the 6,092-seat arena was built larger than the town itself because the community’s vision was larger. Since then, it has been the stage for generations of intense competition, standing-room-only sectionals, buzzer-beaters, and lifelong memories for athletes, fans and families in Dubois County and across Southern Indiana.
Today, a committee of community members is launching a public fundraising campaign to ensure Memorial Gym remains a vibrant, accessible, and functional gathering place for the next 75 years. The estimated $10 million revitalization will address critical needs while preserving the building’s historic character and atmosphere.
The revitalization of Huntingburg Memorial Gym is about far more than a fresh coat of paint. These improvements are essential to the building’s future. This project will bring the facility into ADA compliance so it is welcoming to everyone and upgrade its aging infrastructure. It will add air conditioning to make it a true year-round facility and create a new welcome center and main entrance worthy of a community landmark.
Without these investments, the gym’s long-term viability is at risk. With them, it will serve the community for generations to come. The planned addition and improvements will also deliver a community room for gatherings beyond the court; a memorabilia area honoring the gym’s rich history; and modern concessions, bathrooms, locker rooms, and coaches’ offices.
With nearly $5 million already pledged by corporate and individual donors, the revitalization of Memorial Gym is moving forward. This project will happen. Those commitments fully fund the first phase, including ADA compliance and essential infrastructure upgrades. The public campaign will close the remaining gap toward the final goal, so the full project is finished rather than done piecemeal. Every additional gift helps finish what has been started.
“Memorial Gym has been part of my life for as long as I can remember—first as a kid sitting in those stands, then as a player running out of the tunnel onto the floor with 6,000 fans shaking the place. Those moments stay with you,” said Todd Jochem, Southridge 1986 and campaign committee member.
The campaign is being led by a committee that includes Denny Spinner, Todd Jochem, Reid Sakel, Kurt Gutgsell, Cory Menke, Jeff Tooley, Paul Neukam, and Mike Uebelhor. All gifts are tax-deductible and are being processed through the Dubois County Community Foundation.
“Now it’s our turn to step up and ensure this amazing gym is here for another seventy-five,” the committee stated. “Honoring the past. Empowering the future.”
How to Give
• Online: https://duboiscountycf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=4564
• By check: Make payable to Dubois County Community Foundation, Memo: Memorial Gym Revitalization Campaign, and mail to PO Box 269, Jasper, IN 47547
Suggested public giving levels begin at $75 (Season Ticket Holder) and include options such as Baseline Backer ($500), Founder’s Court ($1,951), Half-Court Hero ($3,000), Sellout Circle ($6,092), and Cornerstone Club ($10,000), with any amount welcome.
