Memorial Gym

The University of Virginia’s venerable Memorial Gymnasium was 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 79-year-old “Mem Gym,” which was home to the U.Va. basketball program for 42 seasons before University Hall opened in 1965. It was also the past home of the Virginia swim and dive teams and indoor track teams. After renovations, the building serves as the home arena for the Cavaliers’ wrestling and women’s volleyball teams.

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.

Volleyball practice is open to the public.


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.