Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall

Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall is a multi-purpose arena located on the campus of Indiana University Bloomington in Bloomington, Indiana. Primarily serving as the home venue for the Indiana Hoosiers men's and women's basketball teams, it is renowned for its distinctive design and intense game-day atmosphere. Since opening in 1971, it has been a cornerstone of Big Ten Conference athletics and a iconic landmark within NCAA Division I. The facility underwent a major renovation from 2016 to 2017, significantly modernizing its amenities while preserving its historic character.

History

The arena was conceived during the tenure of university president Herman B Wells and athletic director Bill Orwig to replace the smaller University Gymnasium. Construction began in 1968 under the guidance of head basketball coach Bob Knight, whose program was ascending to national prominence. Upon its completion in 1971, it was simply named Assembly Hall and immediately became a feared venue for visiting teams, hosting its first game against the Ball State Cardinals. The building witnessed the peak of the Bob Knight era, including the undefeated 1976 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament championship season and subsequent titles in 1981 and 1987. For over four decades, it operated with largely original infrastructure until a comprehensive $40 million renovation was initiated, led by the architectural firm Browning Day Mullins Dierdorf.

Architecture and features

The original design by the firm Eggers and Higgins is notable for its vast, cable-suspended roof, a pioneering engineering feat at the time that created a column-free interior offering unobstructed sightlines. The 2016 renovation, with structural work by Thornton Tomasetti, added premium seating areas like the Hyatt Regency Terrace Club and enhanced concourses while maintaining the iconic roof structure. The main court is named "Branch McCracken Court" in honor of the former coach who led the Indiana Hoosiers to national championships in 1940 and 1953. Other key features include a massive, center-hung video scoreboard, updated locker rooms for the Indiana Hoosiers women's basketball team, and improved facilities for media and athletes complying with ADA standards.

Events

Beyond its primary function for Big Ten Conference basketball games, the venue has hosted a wide array of major events. It has been a frequent site for the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, including early-round games and regional finals. The arena has also staged concerts by major artists such as Elton John, Bob Dylan, and John Mellencamp, as well as large-scale commencement ceremonies for Indiana University Bloomington. It has accommodated political rallies, including a 2008 campaign event for then-Senator Barack Obama, and other sporting events like NCAA Division I women's basketball tournament games and wrestling matches.

Naming

The facility was originally dedicated as Assembly Hall. In 2016, following a lead gift from philanthropist Cindy Simon Skjodt, the arena was formally renamed Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. The donation, one of the largest in the history of Indiana University Athletics, was instrumental in funding the major renovation project. Cindy Simon Skjodt is the daughter of the late Melvin Simon, co-founder of the Simon Property Group and a notable Indiana University alumnus and benefactor. The naming recognizes the Simon family's longstanding philanthropic support for the university and its athletic programs.

In popular culture

The venue's intense atmosphere, particularly during televised ESPN broadcasts of Indiana Hoosiers games, has cemented its status in sports culture. It is famously known as one of the loudest arenas in college basketball, a reputation highlighted during the coaching tenures of Bob Knight and Mike Davis. The arena was a key filming location for the 1986 sports drama *Hoosiers*, which fictionalized the story of the 1954 Milan High School state champions. Its distinct architecture and passionate student section, often referenced as "Assembly Hall" in national media, have made it a recognizable icon well beyond the borders of Indiana.

Category:Indiana University Category:Basketball venues in Indiana Category:NCAA Division I basketball venues Category:Buildings and structures in Bloomington, Indiana