Nicoson Hall/Ray Skillman Court

Indianapolis’ Nicoson Hall is one of the finest NCAA II basketball venues in the country.  Completed in 1959 and officially dedicated Jan. 19, 1960, the 4,000-capacity arena was a welcome addition to the campus after the Hounds played 33 years in a building called “The Barn,” which was origianlly constructed as a temporary facility.

The arena was simply known as “The Gym” until the spring of 1977, when the university’s trustees dubbed it Nicoson Hall, in honor of UIndy legend Angus Nicoson, who had announced he was taking a disability retirement earlier that year. “Nic,” as he was affectionately known, had been athletic director and basketball coach for the Greyhounds for 30 years.

Nicoson, who died in 1982 at age 62, compiled an outstanding record of 483-279 as the Greyhounds' head coach. He not only guided the basketball program to success, but also transformed the entire athletic program into a highly-respected one.  A special bronze portrait of Coach Nicoson, located on the west lobby of the arena, was dedicated in 1991.

Nicoson Hall served as the wrestling venue for the 1987 Pan American Games and as a training camp site for the NBA’s Indiana Pacers.  It has hosted several NCAA teams practicing for Big Ten Tournament and NCAA Final Four events held in Indianapolis.

In 2015, the facility received a major upgrade with the installation of the new "Ray Skillman Court." Made possible by a generous $500,000 donation from Ray Skillman Auto Group, the sleek and modern playing surface floor is just one piece of the renovation scheduled for Nicoson Hall. New carpet was also added in the summer of '15, with efficient LED lighting among the improvements scheduled for next year.

"Our student-athletes certainly have earned these upgrades with their performance on the court and in the classroom," said Dr. Rob Manuel, university president. "It is quite fitting that this support comes from Ray Skillman, who shares the university's commitment to the residents and the economic vitality of this part of the city."