Card Gymnasium Explained

Stadium Name:Card Gymnasium
Location:320 Towerview Drive
Durham, NC 27708
Coordinates:35.9974°N -78.9414°W
Opened:1930
Owner:Duke University
Operator:Duke University
Surface:Hardwood
Construction Cost:$345,557
Architect:Office of Horace Trumbauer
Former Names:Duke Gymnasium (1930 - 1958)
Tenants:Duke Blue Devils
(Wrestling, Fencing, Men’s Basketball 1930 - 1939)

Card Gymnasium is a multi-purpose arena in Durham, North Carolina. It was home to the Duke University Blue Devils basketball team from its opening in 1930 until Cameron Indoor Stadium opened in 1940.[1] During its years as home to the men's basketball team, it had a capacity of approximately 4,000.[2] It was originally named “Duke Gymnasium” before being named after former Blue Devils head basketball coach, Wilbur Wade Card, in 1958.[3] It currently serves as the home to Duke Wrestling[4] and Fencing.

Predecessors

The two previous venues used by the basketball team still stand, a short walk from each other on the East Campus.

Immediately prior to the opening of Card Gymnasium, the games were held in Alumni Memorial Gymnasium, which had opened in 1924. That building stands west of the traffic circle, the Lilly Library and the tennis courts. It is now part of the Brodie Recreation Center.

The earliest games were played at an Angier B. Duke Gymnasium, otherwise known as "The Ark". It contained a smaller court than what is now standard. The building dates to 1898, and intercollegiate basketball was first played there in about 1906. After the team left at the end of 1923, the building was remodeled for various purposes through the years, eventually becoming a dance studio. It stands just east of the traffic circle and the East Campus Wellness Center.

Notes and References

  1. Book: ((ESPN Editors)). ESPN College Basketball Encyclopedia. 2009. ESPN. Bristol, Connecticut. 978-0-345-51392-2.
  2. Web site: Card Gymnasium. Duke University Campus Map. 6 May 2015.
  3. Book: Roth. John. The Encyclopedia of Duke Basketball. 2006. Duke University Press. 978-0-822-33904-5. 212.
  4. Web site: Wrestlers Make Home Debut Wednesday. Go Duke. Duke Sports Information. 6 May 2015. 22 January 2013.