Ever wondered where Northwestern University hosted the first NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Championship game? It happened right here at Patten Gymnasium. This isn’t just a gym; it’s a landmark. Patten Gymnasium stands as a testament to Northwestern’s rich history.
Originally, there were two Patten Gymnasiums. The first, designed by George Washington Maher, opened in 1909. It was quite the place featuring two indoor baseball diamonds. It also had a pool and a field that converted into an auditorium. Imagine Warren G. Harding and William Howard Taft holding political rallies here.
That original Patten Gymnasium was demolished in 1940. It made way for the Technological Institute. But don’t worry, Patten Gymnasium was reborn in 1940.
This new Patten Gymnasium hosted the men’s basketball team for twelve years. Then Welsh-Ryan Arena opened in 1952. Now, Patten Gymnasium is home to the women’s fencing team. It also supports intramural sports. Offices and locker rooms serve the women’s lacrosse, field hockey, and men’s and women’s soccer teams.
Patten Gymnasium is named for James A. Patten. He was an Evanston mayor, a philanthropist, and a commodities broker. Most importantly, he was president of Northwestern’s board of trustees. His contributions are forever etched in the university’s history.
Look closely at the doors. They are black and chrome and original to the old gym. The bronze plaque commemorates the heroism of Edward Spencer. He along with other Northwestern students rescued people from the Lady Elgin shipwreck in 1860.
Take a moment to admire the statues at the entrance. These are “Physical Development” and “Intellectual Development.” Sculptor Hermon Atkins MacNeil created them. Affectionately, they are nicknamed “Pat and Jim”. They stood in front of the original Patten Gymnasium since 1916.
Also, did you know that Patten Gymnasium once had a swimming pool? It was unused since 1987. In 1999, it transformed into the Gleacher Golf Center. Back then, it was a unique facility for collegiate golf. It featured a 2,000-square-foot putting green and a sand trap.
While Northwestern never played in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, Patten Gymnasium holds a special place in basketball history. The University of Oregon beat Ohio State in that inaugural title game in 1939. This happened weeks before the original facility closed.
So, as you stand before Patten Gymnasium, remember its layers of history. From basketball championships to student rescues and unusual beginnings in collegiate golf, it embodies Northwestern’s spirit. It’s a place where the past and present connect.