Huff Hall turns 100

Huff Hall was named after U. of I. athletics director George Huff in 1937. (Images courtesy of UI Archives)

Huff Hall, the former home of Illini basketball, and the site of big band concerts, dance marathons, commencement ceremonies and more, turns 100 this year. Named the Men’s New Gymnasium when it opened in 1925, the building was rechristened George Huff Gym in 1937 in memory of the legendary U. of I. athletics director and 1892 graduate, who championed the creation of Memorial Stadium and served as head coach for both football and baseball. Throughout its history, Huff Hall—as it’s been known since 1992—has hosted millions of sports fans for Illini volleyball, wrestling, men’s and women’s gymnastics, and fencing and swimming. It is also “an incredible learning and research environment” for the College of Applied Health Sciences. A place that’s just as versatile as its namesake—and just as iconic.