University Auditorium or the College Theater Building and nicknamed "The Barn" was a multi-purpose arena and theater in Chicago on DePaul's Lincoln Park campus.[1][2]
History
Construction of University Auditorium began in 1906 and was completed in 1907.[3] During World War I, the facility served as barracks for the Student Army Training Corps.[4] In 1920, the venue was remodeled into a gymnasium[5] and the DePaul Blue Demons men's basketball team first played in the facility in 1923.[3] The team played in University Auditorium until 1956 with the team's last game being a 91-77 victory versus Lewis University on February 21, 1956.[4] The Blue Demons had their longest home-court winning streak in school history with 81-straight wins at "The Barn".[3] University Auditorium was replaced by Alumni Hall as the home venue of the men's basketball team on December 16, 1956.[4] The venue caught fire in 1967 and was demolished in 1979.[6][7] The Ray Meyer Fitness and Recreation Center is now located on the site of University Auditorium.[7]
