DePaul's University Auditorium (1907-1979)

Now home to the Ray Meyer Fitness and Recreation Center, this was once the home of University Auditorium. The iconic venue was constructed initially to serve as a theater but was soon converted into a barracks and then converted once again to an arena thanks to its dome-shaped construction. The auditorium was known as "The Barn" and operated as the home court of the basketball team from 1923 to 1956. The theater was constructed from 1906 to 1907 and served a variety of purposes, and stood from 1907 to 1979, hosting numerous events for the university until it was demolished in 1979. "The Barn" served as the home court for DePaul University's basketball team, the Blue Demons, from 1923 to 1956. At one point, the Blue Demons had an 81-game winning streak at University Auditorium.

University Auditorium was where the DePaul University Blue Demons played home basketball games from 1923 to 1956 when the team began playing home games in Alumni Hall. University Auditorium was where legendary basketball figures coach Ray Meyer and NBA star George Mikan played home games. Mikan was a star at DePaul, winning Player of the Year twice and the National Invitation Tournament once. Meyer is credited for transforming Mikan from an awkward and clumsy freshman to an aggressive, fearless basketball player. University Auditorium was located where the Ray Meyer Fitness and Recreation Center now stands.

“History & Timeline.” History & Timeline | About | DePaul University | DePaul University, Chicago. Accessed December 10, 2019. https://www.depaul.edu/about/history-and-timeline/Pages/default.aspx.

“DePaul Blue Demons Basketball History.” Coaches Database. Accessed December 10, 2019. https://www.coachesdatabase.com/depaul-blue-demons-basketball/.

Library Staff. Bygone DePaul: The College Theater, DePaul University Library. April 8th, 2009. Accessed June 16th, 2025. https://news.library.depaul.press/full-text/2009/04/08/bygone-depaul-the-college-theater/.