Prior to construction of the ARC, the Valpo basketball and volleyball teams competed at Hilltop Gymnasium, which opened in 1939 and is among the first facilities built at the university after it was purchased by the Lutherans.

Notable individuals to appear in Hilltop include Larry Bird during his collegiate career at Indiana State, and Robert F. Kennedy, who gave a speech in the gym during his presidential campaign.

[5] Beginning in the late 1970s it was decided that Valpo needed to expand its basketball facilities again, and in 1984, the $7.25 million expansion on the north side of Hilltop Gym, named the Athletics and Recreation Center, was completed.

The Schrage Wing includes offices for the men's and women's basketball coaches, a computer lab, video room, and team lounges.

Further improvements to the facility, such as seating expansion and locker room updates, were discussed in 2006 as the university prepared to begin membership in the Horizon League, but none are in the works for the near future.