Memorial Gym

The University of Virginia’s venerable Memorial Gymnasium is home to both the Cavalier volleyball and wrestling programs. Construction on the historic edifice began in 1922 and the facility officially opened in 1924. It was proposed as a memorial to the 80 students and alumni who died in World War I. Mem Gym’s architectural inspiration derives from Jefferson’s Academic Village.

In 2024, 226 chair backs were installed inside the gymnasium, which offer volleyball and wrestling spectators more space for comfort. Additionally, five retractable seats for wheelchairs were installed, enhancing the facility’s accessibility. In addition to the chair backs, a taraflex playing surface, which provides a safer playing surface for UVA student-athletes and a better look to the facility, was also set in place for the Cavalier volleyball team. The Lyons Family Court was made possible as a result of a generous gift by Jodi and Pete Lyons. The regulation volleyball court can also be converted to a 49-by-78 foot practice court.

Mem Gym was previously renovated in 2005, courtesy of a gift of more than $1.5 million from an anonymous donor. The gift provided $845,500 for extensive improvements to then 81-year-old building. The renovations to Mem Gym included improved lighting and sound systems, a new scoreboard, new bleachers, new windows, resurfacing and remarking of the floor (the gym’s original floor was replaced in 1992), an improved air-flow system, a new divider curtain and a fresh coat of paint. Renovations were also made for the general-use men’s and women’s locker rooms and for the gym’s lobby and other common spaces.

Prior to the opening of University Hall, Mem Gym served as the home to UVA men’s basketball program for 42 seasons. It was also the past home of the Virginia swim & dive, indoor track and boxing teams.

While designed as an athletic venue, it was also a social hall, hosting dances, dinners, concerts, class registrations and a variety of other functions, including graduations. President Franklin D. Roosevelt spoke at graduation there on June 10, 1940, a talk that became known as the “Stab in the Back” speech, in which he announced that Italy had allied itself with Germany in the European war. Musicians who performed at Mem Gym included Tommy Dorsey; Ziggy Elman; Duke Ellington; Charlie Spivak; Tony Bennett; Odetta; Ray Charles; Miriam Makeba; Peter, Paul and Mary; and Chuck Berry.

For more information on the history of Mem Gym, check out this UVA Today feature.

Directions

Memorial Gymnasium – 210 Emmet Street South
From the East/West: Take I-64 to exit 118B (Culpeper-Charlottesville). Take second exit (sign will say University of Virginia Information Center and Business 250 East) and bear right onto Ivy Rd. At third stop light, turn right on Emmet St. Memorial Gym is on left after tennis courts. Parking is on side streets or in the Culbreth Garage, which is located off of University Ave.

From the North: Take Route 29 south into Charlottesville (Emmet St.) all the way into the Ivy Rd./University Ave. area. After passing through this intersection, Memorial Gym is on left side after the tennis courts. Parking is on side streets or in the Culbreth Garage, which is located off of University Ave.

From the South: Take Route 29 to Business Route 250 East (sign will say University of Virginia Information Center) and bear right onto Ivy Rd. At third stop light, turn right on Emmet St. Memorial Gym is on left side after the tennis courts. Parking is on side streets or in the Culbreth Garage, which is located off of University Ave.