An alumni campaign to finance construction of a gymnasium to memorialize Techmen who had died in World War I began in 1919, and the resulting War Memorial Gymnasium was completed in 1926. Varsity basketball games were played in the gym from 1926 to 1961. The facility was also used as an auditorium, dance, and exhibition hall; radio and television offices; and Alumni Association offices. Initially called the World War I Memorial Gymnasium, the structure was closed in 1972 for significant renovation and expansion, reopening in 1975. A 1992 flash flood caused damage that necessitated remodeling.
The building underwent a significant renovation that culminated in a reopening in 2024.
Features within the newly renovated building include:
- Wet classroom for aquatic and safety instruction
- 7,000 square-foot table tennis space
- Basketball courts with new hardwood floors
- Modern locker rooms and bathrooms that include family changing rooms and an all-gender restroom featuring private stalls with a shared space for handwashing
- Centralized air conditioning
- New plumbing and electrical systems
- Energy-efficient LED lighting
Hokies will have access to exercise classes, as well as 10 specialized spaces, including a boxing room, two rooms for dance organizations, a mind/body studio, yoga studio, spin studio, one squash court, and five racquetball courts.