Work on the original Field House began in 1925. The Field House we see today was completed in 1985 as part of a major renovation and expansion of Washington University in St. Louis’ athletic facilities.
The competition court within the Field House seats approximately 3,800 for sports events, and is home to Washington University men’s and women’s basketball and women’s volleyball.
In addition to athletic contests, the Field House is used for large public events. The Reverend Jesse Jackson, former Presidents George Bush and Jimmy Carter, and former First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton have spoken there. The Field House was the site for presidential debates in 1992, 2000 and 2004, and for the vice-presidential debate in 2008.
An expansion was completed in 1985 as part of the Athletics Complex renovation. Housed in the expansion are the Recreational Gym, which includes handball and racquetball courts, and the I.E. Millstone Pool, an Olympic-sized pool named for the Washington University alumnus and former president of a St. Louis construction firm.