Einar Nielsen Fieldhouse

“Why is there a giant ‘UTAH’ on that roof?” a young boy asked his father, pointing at Einar Nielsen Fieldhouse. The father smiled. “That’s a good question. It reminds us of a time when this building echoed with the cheers of basketball fans.” Einar Nielsen Fieldhouse stands as a testament to the University of Utah’s rich history, a place where athletic prowess once reigned supreme. Opened in 1939 as Ute Fieldhouse, it quickly became the heart of Utes basketball for three decades. Its formal dedication on January 9, 1940, marked the beginning of countless victories and unforgettable moments. The fieldhouse wasn’t just a basketball venue. It hosted the first round of the 1968 NCAA tournament, bringing national attention to the university. High school state tournaments also graced its courts, adding to its legacy. The fieldhouse even witnessed history beyond sports. During World War II, the roar of the crowd was replaced by the quiet footsteps of 1,000 Army personnel who used the building as a dormitory. The basketball floor was removed, and a post office, barber shop, and officers’ quarters filled the space. After the war, basketball returned, and Einar Nielsen Fieldhouse continued to be a hub of campus activity. The building was eventually renamed to honor Einar Nielsen, the Utes’ dedicated athletic trainer for 40 years. Today, the cheers have faded, and the basketball hoops are gone. But the “UTAH” on the roof remains, a visible reminder of the building’s storied past. The fieldhouse now houses studios for design and architecture students and the Meldrum Theatre, home to the Pioneer Theatre Company. The sculpture “Teamwork,” depicting football players mid-play, still stands on the west side, a silent observer of the building’s transformation. So, next time you see that giant “UTAH,” remember the echoes of the past and the legacy of Einar Nielsen Fieldhouse.