Racer Arena
Since opening in 1954, Racer Arena has held several distinctions, including nationally-televised men’s basketball games, regionally-televised women’s basketball games and basketball conference championships and National Invitation Tournament games. Now, it holds yet another distinction as the nation’s largest volleyball-only facility among NCAA Division I schools, with a capacity of 5,500 This distinction came in 1998, when the Murray State’s men’s and women’s basketball teams moved into the Regional Special Events Center, making Racer volleyball the only varsity sport to use the facility for regular-season competition.
The Racers hold a 160-103 (.608) record in home matches. While many of MSU’s home matches had been held in the North Gym adjacent to Racer Arena, the main floor has been the predominant home of Murray State volleyball. In Ohio Valley Conference play, the Racers are 121-60 (.669) at home.
In the past two years, the SportCourt was replaced with a wooden floor and new scoreboards were installed, helping to make Racer Arena not only a tough place for opponents to play, but also the home of contemporary state-of-the-art flooring.
Racer Arena has been host to several strong Division I volleyball teams such as Alabama-Birmingham, Arkansas State, Auburn, Louisville, Memphis, Mississippi State, Saint Louis, Southern Illinois and Southern Miss. Now entering its 57th season of service to Murray State University and its 27th season as a volleyball venue, Racer Arena continues to uphold its reputation as a formidable athletics site.
The Racer volleyball conference room and locker room are located adjacent to the North Gym, which is accessible through the commons area of Racer Arena. The conference room provides the team an area to meet in comfort and style. Several couches and chairs allow the Racers to sit comfortably during pre-practice or pre-match meetings, while the hardwood floors provide a touch of charm. A large-screen TV allows the team to review matches and match preparation films.
The locker room is a redecorated area formerly used by the Murray State men’s basketball team before the Regional Special Events Center was built. Individualized locker areas with nameplates and cushioned chairs provide privacy and comfort. Roomy shower facilities and rest room areas complement this area as a fully functional place for preparation before matches and practices and changing after matches.