Gill Coliseum

Imagine a place where the energy of the stands meets the rich history of American collegiate sports. Gill Coliseum is a legendary multi-purpose indoor arena located in the heart of the Oregon State University campus in Corvallis, USA. Opened in 1949, this arena has become the true home for the Oregon State Beavers basketball, volleyball, wrestling, and gymnastics teams.

Architecturally, the facility is notable for its unique design: at the time of its construction, it was the second-largest building in the country with suspended arches. Thanks to the absence of internal support columns, each of the nine thousand spectators enjoys a perfect view of the court, creating an incredible sense of immersion in the game. The arena was named in honor of the distinguished coach Amory T. Gill, whose winning record continues to inspire young athletes today.

Today, Gill Coliseum is not just a sports facility, but a part of a historic district listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. It hosts not only heated matches but also concerts, graduation ceremonies, and community events, making it a key cultural hub for the region. Modern renovations have preserved its vintage charm while adding comfort and cutting-edge training equipment.

To check information on upcoming events or visiting details, you can use the official contact information of the venue.

The main reason to visit Gill Coliseum is the incredible atmosphere of live competition. You can witness thrilling basketball matchups, intense wrestling bouts, or graceful gymnastics performances. The venue is famous for its acoustics and the fact that the stands are very close to the floor, allowing you to literally feel every moment of the game.

For lovers of architecture and history, a walk around the arena is a treat in itself. Take note of the 12 giant steel arches that hold up the roof over the 1.3-acre area without a single internal column. This engineering solution still commands respect from professionals. It is also interesting to simply stroll through the campus grounds, of which the arena is a part, and take a look at the neighboring Sports Performance Center.

If you're lucky, you might catch one of the concerts or celebratory events that have been regularly held at this venue since its founding. Even if there are no official games on the day of your visit, the spirit of more than 3,000 victories achieved here by local teams makes visiting this "shrine to sports" a mandatory stop for any athletics fan.

Reaching this iconic sporting venue is easy, as it is located directly on the Oregon State University campus at 660 SW 26th St. If you are already in the center of Corvallis, a walk or a bike ride will take only about 15–20 minutes.

For those who prefer public transport, local bus routes are available, as well as taxi services and Dial-A-Ride services. If you are planning a trip from Portland, the drive takes about an hour and a half via the I-5 highway (heading south), followed by a transition to US-20 or US-34, which lead directly to the campus.

Travelers arriving by plane at Portland International Airport (PDX) can cover the remaining 90 miles (about 145 km) by rental car or by using intercity shuttles. On major competition days, visitor parking zones are provided on campus, though it is recommended to arrive early due to high demand for spaces.

The story of this grand structure began in the late 1940s. Construction of Gill Coliseum took place from 1947 to 1949, based on a design by the architectural firm Jones and Marsh. Interestingly, it was originally planned as a 7,500-seat arena, but the Board of Higher Education decided to increase the capacity to 10,000, anticipating a boom in interest in college sports.

The grand opening took place in December 1949, and the first sporting triumph at the new venue was the university basketball team's victory over rivals from Utah with a score of 53–41. For a long time, the arena was considered the best sporting facility west of the Rockies, fulfilling a decade-long dream of the university leadership to replace the old and cramped gymnasium.

The facility was named after the legendary coach Amory T. "Slats" Gill, who led the local basketball team for 36 seasons. Although the building was unofficially called by his name almost immediately, the official renaming occurred in 1966. Over the decades of its existence, the arena has witnessed more than 3,000 victories by the "Beavers" teams.

Beyond sports, Gill Coliseum has always been a cultural hub. Its very first public event was a concert by the Vienna Boys' Choir in November 1949. Additionally, until 1995, the building's basement housed the Horner Museum, adding even more historical significance to the site. In 2024, the complex proudly celebrated its 75th anniversary.

To simply view the building's architecture and soak in its historical atmosphere as part of a campus walk, 1–1.5 hours will be sufficient. This is enough time to appreciate the scale of the structure and take commemorative photos of the exterior.

If your goal is to attend a sporting match or a concert, you should set aside 2 to 3 hours in your travel plan. Consider the time for security checks, finding your seat, and traditional breaks during the competition. Attending a "Beavers" game is a full-scale event that requires a free evening.

The operating schedule of Gill Coliseum depends directly on the training schedule, sports seasons, and cultural events. There are no fixed opening hours for casual tourist visits, as the arena functions as an active university facility.

To attend matches or other events, tickets must be purchased in advance via the official osubeavers.com website. If you wish to check the possibility of access to the building on a specific day, it is recommended to call +1 541-737-4455 before your visit.

The university campus and its surroundings offer many interesting spots to make your city walk even more rewarding. Exploring local monuments and cozy corners of the city will help you better feel the atmosphere of Oregon’s student hub.