Explore the unique gyms and arenas across the Show-Me state

Ray DeGreeff Memorial Gym, Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023, at St. Francis Borgia High School in Washington, Mo. Michael Gulledge, Special to STLhighschoolsports.com

It’s been almost two years since I tweeted asking for the best basketball venues in Missouri.

The responses spanned large portions of the Show-Me state but highlighted a few must-see venues, including Webster Groves, Normandy’s Viking Hall, Hancock Place’s Tiger Dome, “The Pit” at Springfield Central.

I’ve made it to some suggestions. Others, either for logistical or distance reasons, remain on the list. But it’s finally time to start sharing photographs and stories of these facilities.

Welcome to Show-Me Hoops. This is a collection of the interesting, unique and/or historic field houses, arenas and gymnasiums across the Show-Me state.

The Missouri State Bears played the Oklahoma State Cowboys at JQH Arena on Dec. 7, 2011. Missouri State lost 72-67.

You’ll find gyms new and old, interesting to even cookie-cutter, high school to college, active to inactive listed on the site as I visit—sometimes on assignment as a freelance photojournalist, others for this project. You may also find the occasional action photo gallery from a game or related story as well as well.

Some facilities will have more detailed features written outlining history or other research. Others may have just a line or two, either because of a lack of information available or because it may not be as noteworthy as some others. Time is, unfortunately, limited and digging up history on some of these is a challenge.

A handful of gyms are already posted. Check them out now.

I’d be remiss to not mention that a big push of inspiration for this project came from Chicago-based photojournalist Vincent Johnson, who’s wrapping up his documentation journey of Illinois’ gyms after years of work totaling thousands of miles and hours. His collection is being released as a photo book, “Illustrious: The Best High School Basketball Gyms In Illinois,” but some gyms are already available online. Be sure to follow, add your name to the email list, and order when it’s time to support him and this kind of work.

Photos from a game between West Memphis Christian and Hazelwood Central, Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, at Vashon High School in St. Louis. Michael Gulledge, Special to STLhighschoolsports.com

What to expect?

Photo-heavy coverage of the more unique gyms across Missouri. As the current sole contributor, they’ll naturally favor the St. Louis area as it’s geographically closer, but I’ll try and expand out into the state as I can.

I’d like to include former gyms, whether still in active use by the high school or not.

Also look for action photo coverage of all sports, either on the site directly or, probably more commonly, linked to an outlet that hired me.

You may also catch an article about something other than a gym, such as a natatorium or football stadium. (If you’re interested in football, check out this story of Orchard Farm’s old Luxembourg Field on the Post-Dispatch.)

Have a suggestion or idea? Think your favorite gym should be included?

Send it over!

What’s next?

First, check out schools that have already been posted.

Schools that I have already photographed and will be posted in the coming weeks and months: