Opened 97 years ago in November 1928,[7][8] the venue honors state residents who gave their lives in the service of their country in World War I.

[11] Ivy partially covers the brick and concrete exterior, which is decorated with crouching football player gargoyles and stained glass windows.

Its predecessor was the original gymnasium (and armory), located directly east;[13] constructed in 1904;[14] it has been reconfigured and continues on campus as the "Art and Architecture South" building.

Future hall of famer Gus Johnson played for the Vandals during the 1962–63 season,[17] and the "Mem Gym" was frequently sold out, with the attendance estimated at 3,800.

[21][22][23] During the 1940s and early 1950s, Idaho had a nationally prominent boxing team; over five thousand attended a dual meet against Palouse neighbor Washington State in 1950.