MUNCIE, Ind. — Nine months after being heavily damaged in a storm, the Muncie Community School Board has approved the emergency repairs to the historic Muncie Fieldhouse.
Built in 1928 for more than $400,000, the Muncie Fieldhouse is one of the largest high school gymnasiums in the country. It seats more than 7,600 people and served as the home gym for Muncie Central High School, which have won eight championships in high school boys basketball.
A storm in Nov. 2017 tore a hole open in the roof and damaged water lines, which caused flooding in the bleachers and basketball floor.
According to the Muncie Star Press, the board’s emergency declaration means the school district can expedite the process on repairs without having to advertise or obtain competitive bids, but must still get at least two quotes on repairs.
The board plans to approve the repairs at its next meeting on Aug. 28.
Muncie Community Schools has already received about $900,000 as part of an insurance settlement to repair the damaged fieldhouse. The school district is expected to receive another $340,000 in insurance money once the repairs begin on the building.
Ball State University took over control of Muncie Community Schools on July 1 due to financial problems at the school district after formal approval from the Indiana General Assembly and Gov. Eric Holcomb in May.
Photo by Steven Baule / @DrBauleMCS / Courtesy of RTV6
