The building was completely renovated in 2006-07 as part of the $17.8-million, 126,000 sq ft Sheila Umphrey Recreational Center project.

[5] Over its life, the gym has also served as one of the venues for an annual YMBL South Texas Shootout high school basketball tournament held on the campus of Lamar University.

[6][7][8] As evidenced by the lopsided won/loss record when it was the home court for Lamar basketball, McDonald Gym was a tough place for an opponent to win.

In addition to defeating several highly ranked NCAA Division I teams that season, Lamar defeated a previously unbeaten and sixth ranked Tulsa[9] as well 1968 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament Final Four team, Houston at McDonald Gym.

[10] The men's basketball team's eighty (80) game home court winning streak started at McDonald Gym on February 18, 1978.