A large frame structure, the gym was built with money and labor from men students and with assistance from faculty and Huntsville citizens when funds for a permanent building were unavailable [79]. The gym was 80x100 feet and capable of seating 5,000 people on the main floor.  Dressing and equipment rooms were located in the basement.

While men's sports were the obvious draw, Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt visited the campus in 1937 and spoke to the campus and citizens of Huntsville in the building.

The "cracker box" gym, as was the nickname noted in the 1956 Alcalde, was removed from campus in the 1950s; a second gymnasium built of brick was constructed on the site.

The university's gymnasium for women was demolished in 1983 to make way for the Communication Building.

This aerial show the north side of the old frame gymnasium for men.

Tennis courts sat west of the men’s gymnasium.