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Group begins work to save historic Wigwam gym

Associated Press
March 20, 2011
Keywords
Anderson, Education & Workforce Development, Madison County, Sports Business, Sports Venues
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A grass-roots group has begun its work to save Anderson's historic Wigwam gymnasium and is looking to other communities for inspiration.

The Anderson School Board voted 6-1 this month to shutter the 9,000-seat Wigwam gym complex at the end of current school year as part of a wider budget-cutting plan that includes cutting 65 teachers' jobs.

The Wigwam was built in 1962 and is the world's second-largest high school basketball venue, ranked behind the Fieldhouse in New Castle.

Wigwam supporter Jack Graham told The Herald Bulletin that his committee hopes to take over the Wigwam and appoint an administrator to promote and market the facility.

The group may look at a successful effort to save a gym in Jasper for ideas on how to proceed.


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  • I am a sports fan - but
    Big Daddy JimMarch 21, 2011 2:49 PM
    I am as fanatical as any sports fan you will ever find and I respect the tradition of the Wigwam. However, these are difficult times and we cannot be spending money where there is none to send. Keeping the Wigwam open will not directly benefit the education of children in the Anderson area. Having it run with private funds is the right answer. If they cannot make it with private funds then it should not stay open at taxpayer expense.
    Reply to CommentFlag Comment
  • Jack Graham's Committee
    KAMGMarch 21, 2011 10:42 AM
    Does anyone have any additional information on Jack Graham's committee - name of committee, how to get involved, etc.?
    Reply to CommentFlag Comment

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