Make your way to Knightstown to visit the historic Hoosier Gym.
Last weekend, I ventured east of downtown Indianapolis on Interstate 70 to Knightstown, Indiana. It was a straight-shot drive, nearly 40 miles to the home of the “The Hoosier Gym.”
That gym, of course, was used in the basketball movie seen by sports fans across the country: Hoosiers.
The Hoosier Gym remains in great condition and is a mini museum. Upon entering, there’s a small area of photos and memorabilia, plus items for purchase. The volunteers at the gym ask folks to sign in — and a quick look at the sheet (see in the photo gallery below) shows hoop junkies from all over driving through Knightstown to see the memorable gym.
Buffalo. Philadelphia. Seattle.
This isn’t just an Indiana treasure. That was clear.
For a small fee of $30 an hour, anyone can rent out The Hoosier Gym. For friends. For a birthday party. For a company outing. It’s definitely worth the price, not only for the gym but for the scenery and the memories. (Recently, Pfister Pharmaceuticals rented out the place out.)
In talking with an on-site volunteer I learned that it is often used for weddings. It even has a fully-functional kitchen that can be used for another $50. Basketball teams have come from across the midwest — Tennessee, Wisconsin, and Minnesota — to scrimmage in the famed Hickory gym. (There are working showers!)
And yes, you can go down to the locker room where Gene Hackman — I mean, Normal Dale — gave that motivational speech.
[Click here to read the complete history of The Hoosier Gym.]
The folks at The Hoosier Gym, which is a registered 501(c)(3) organization, are excited about the news that the Pacers’ new alternative uniform, from Hickory. The Pacers plan to wear the special uniform, made by adidas, in six regular season games this upcoming season.
While nothing is set, The Hoosier Gym is hoping to do a few special events to play off of the theme … Like Billy Killer run a basketball camp, a few current Pacers make it over for a visit, and even an old-timers games.
That all remains to be seen. I’m just disappointed it to me so long to make it over to Knightstown for a visit — to see and play in the gym from my favorite sports movie of all time.
