Memorial Gymnasium Review
By Tyler Smith 3/12/2011
Memorial Gymnasium
Games Attended: 3/5/2011
Stadium capacity: 14,316
Mascot: Commodores, "Mr. C"
Head Coach: Kevin Stallings
Miles Traveled: 360 miles
Location: Nashville, TN
School: Vanderbilt University
Tickets: Vanderbilt Ticket Office
Athletics Website: Vanderbilt Basketball
Memorial Gym Seating Chart:
Stadium capacity: 14,316
Mascot: Commodores, "Mr. C"
Head Coach: Kevin Stallings
Miles Traveled: 360 miles
Location: Nashville, TN
School: Vanderbilt University
Tickets: Vanderbilt Ticket Office
Athletics Website: Vanderbilt Basketball
Memorial Gym Seating Chart:
Memorial Gym Features
Memorial Gymnasium is one of the more unique venues in college basketball. The floor is raised above some the seats, the basket is unlike any other (see picture above), and the benches are located under the baskets. The acoustics in the building are set up for a very loud environment, loud is what you get!
The student section "Memorial Maniacs" is located at the south side of the gym sections G-K. If you find yourself in these sections expect to stand. I was there while the students were on spring break, these seats may not be available when school is in session. These are bench seating and give you a feel of the original gymnasium. The second tier and third tier are also bench seating. On the opposite side of the gymnasium, in sections A-E they have cushioned chair back seats, this is the updated part of the gymnasium. These seats also continue up to the second and third tier. The suites are located at the top of the first tier in sections A-E. Sections F East side and L West Side are set up the same. They have plastic chair backs.
The banners run across the rafters at the top of the gymnasium. The jumbotron hangs from the top of the gymnasium. Their are scoreboards located on the front of the second tier.
The student section "Memorial Maniacs" is located at the south side of the gym sections G-K. If you find yourself in these sections expect to stand. I was there while the students were on spring break, these seats may not be available when school is in session. These are bench seating and give you a feel of the original gymnasium. The second tier and third tier are also bench seating. On the opposite side of the gymnasium, in sections A-E they have cushioned chair back seats, this is the updated part of the gymnasium. These seats also continue up to the second and third tier. The suites are located at the top of the first tier in sections A-E. Sections F East side and L West Side are set up the same. They have plastic chair backs.
The banners run across the rafters at the top of the gymnasium. The jumbotron hangs from the top of the gymnasium. Their are scoreboards located on the front of the second tier.
What to do on Gamedays
1. You can find parking for free at a meter. If you are not there on a Saturday there is a public garage near Memorial Gymnasium.
2. Take a walk over to Rotier's restaurant. The place is a little small but it is a local favorite. My suggestion is the burger. I agree with the locals this is the best burger in town.
3. Head over to the bookstore. The bookstore is located in Rand Hall. They have plenty of Vanderbilt apparel.
They close at
5 Monday-Thursday
5 on Friday
4 on Saturday-Sunday. Here you can pick up a campus map.
4. Next take a walk around campus. The campus is very large. There are several different parts to the campus. You have the sports area, older section (Kirkland), Peabody's, and the medical section.
5.Head over to Memorial Gymnasium!
2. Take a walk over to Rotier's restaurant. The place is a little small but it is a local favorite. My suggestion is the burger. I agree with the locals this is the best burger in town.
3. Head over to the bookstore. The bookstore is located in Rand Hall. They have plenty of Vanderbilt apparel.
They close at
5 Monday-Thursday
5 on Friday
4 on Saturday-Sunday. Here you can pick up a campus map.
4. Next take a walk around campus. The campus is very large. There are several different parts to the campus. You have the sports area, older section (Kirkland), Peabody's, and the medical section.
5.Head over to Memorial Gymnasium!
Vanderbilt University Memorial Gymnasium Overview
Memorial Gymnasium-I would recommend for all college hoops fans to visit Memorial Gymnasium. It truly is one of the most unique arenas in the nation. There are only a few things I would change. The walls at the top of stadium are a green color. Why not change all the areas that have this color to black. It would give it a nice sleek look and it is also goes with the team's colors. My other issue is each corner has yellow and black drapes (not sure what to call them). I noticed one of the corners had offices, with balconies. I would take each corner and put 3 to 4 suites there with wrap around balconies. This space would now be utilized, raises the capacity, and gives the gym an even more unique feel.
Vanderbilt Campus-The campus is very nice. It has a vintage feel and in some areas it gives you more of a modern feel. At times it seems like you are not in the city of Nashville. The campus is very big. Every time I visit I am sure I will see something new I did not see the first visit. I would recommend a campus map which you can find at the bookstore located at Rand Hall.
Nashville-The city has great food,parks, and entertainment near the Vanderbilt area. For food try the Pancake Pantry, Rotier's, or national chain restaurants. If you head down Broadway you will find bars and restaurants lined up and down the street, The Hard Rock Cafe and Big River Grille are located on Broadway. If you are looking to have a drink Broadway is the place.At the end of Broadway, there is a river front park which is a nice place to relax. Near campus is Centennial Park,where the Parthenon (which resembles the Parthenon in Greece) is located. It gives you a taste of Greek architecture.
Atmosphere-The atmosphere is electric. The building really traps the noise and sends it back down to the court. Loudest arena I've visited this year by far. I understand why they say the place has "Memorial Magic"!
Court Design- Two different wood colors are incorporated on the court, which looks good. The court has Vanderbilt on one side and Commodores on the other. The star is located at center court. Overall, the design works and fits the gym.
Rotier's-The restaurant is small, but it has a nice local feel.You may have to wait due to the size of Rotier's. They have excellent burgers! If you do not get the burger you are missing out. Their menu consist of American favorites from grilled cheese to steak. The special is the French bread burger.
Vanderbilt Campus-The campus is very nice. It has a vintage feel and in some areas it gives you more of a modern feel. At times it seems like you are not in the city of Nashville. The campus is very big. Every time I visit I am sure I will see something new I did not see the first visit. I would recommend a campus map which you can find at the bookstore located at Rand Hall.
Nashville-The city has great food,parks, and entertainment near the Vanderbilt area. For food try the Pancake Pantry, Rotier's, or national chain restaurants. If you head down Broadway you will find bars and restaurants lined up and down the street, The Hard Rock Cafe and Big River Grille are located on Broadway. If you are looking to have a drink Broadway is the place.At the end of Broadway, there is a river front park which is a nice place to relax. Near campus is Centennial Park,where the Parthenon (which resembles the Parthenon in Greece) is located. It gives you a taste of Greek architecture.
Atmosphere-The atmosphere is electric. The building really traps the noise and sends it back down to the court. Loudest arena I've visited this year by far. I understand why they say the place has "Memorial Magic"!
Court Design- Two different wood colors are incorporated on the court, which looks good. The court has Vanderbilt on one side and Commodores on the other. The star is located at center court. Overall, the design works and fits the gym.
Rotier's-The restaurant is small, but it has a nice local feel.You may have to wait due to the size of Rotier's. They have excellent burgers! If you do not get the burger you are missing out. Their menu consist of American favorites from grilled cheese to steak. The special is the French bread burger.
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Ratings for Memorial GymnasiumArena 9.0/10
Scoreboard 7.4/10 Atmosphere 9/10 Vanderbilt University (Campus) 8.5/10 X factor (Memorial Gymnasium is a memorial for all the Vanderbilt men and women who fought in World War 2) +1 Total 34.9/40 Nashville (city) 8.3/10 Restaurant (Rotier's) 7.7/10 (not included in overall ratings) |
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