Closson Center

The Eugene E. & Julia Travis Closson Physical Education Center has been the home of Graceland University athletics since 1969. This 65,000 square-foot facility plays host to a large number of events throughout the year and is truly a “multi-purpose” facility. As the home of both the men’s and women’s basketball teams, the men’s and women’s volleyball teams, as well as an indoor track and field facility, the Closson Center has the ability to host multiple events at the same time.

The “giant covered wagon” as many have called it over the years is one of Graceland’s most distinctive landmarks and is truly a rarely designed structure. Suspended by three huge steel arches, the middle of each is a network of cables covered with wire mesh.

The floor of the 38,000 square-foot gym is laid with all-purpose rubberized surfacing and contains five courts for basketball, volleyball, tennis, as well as an indoor practice facility for the remaining sports of Graceland. Also pictured above is the hard-wood center court that is the home of the Yellowjacket varsity basketball and volleyball teams.

The buildings name honors Eugene E. Closson, who was an active supporter of the universities athletic teams throughout the years as he taught psychology, history, and philosophy at Graceland (1931-1959).