The Smith Fieldhouse is known for its up-close seating and loud fans cheering on BYU’s volleyball teams, and you would have definitely noticed this if you were one of the 4,400 in attendance at the BYU vs. Stanford game on Jan. 22. But not many people know of the history that lies within the walls of the Smith Fieldhouse.

The George Albert Smith Fieldhouse was built in 1951, the year the eighth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, George Albert Smith, died. With the opening of the Smith Fieldhouse, the BYU men’s basketball team was able to move from the old women’s gymnasium, which was and still is across the street from the old Brigham Young Academy, to a facility that could hold up to 10,000 people.  

Under legendary coach Stan Watts, the Cougars brought home two NIT championships to the Fieldhouse. Watts also won his 300th game in the Smith Fieldhouse against Arizona State during the 1965-1966 season. Watts eventually retired with an impressive record of 371-254. The men’s basketball team moved to its new home in 1971 with the completion of the Marriott Center. 

The Fieldhouse is now home to the BYU men’s and women’s volleyball teams, which have become two of the nation’s winningest NCAA volleyball programs. 

“I love playing in the Smith Fieldhouse,” said Kevin Sagers, a junior outside hitter for the men’s volleyball team. “I love that it’s so close and compact.  The fans feel like they’re more a part of the game, and when they scream everyone hears it.”

With a capacity of 5,000 spectators, the Smith Fieldhouse has also been the sight of many NCAA volleyball tournament games since the women’s team started playing in 1981.  

The volleyball court was officially named Elaine Michaelis Court on Sept. 2, 2005, in honor of legendary BYU women’s volleyball coach Elaine Michaelis, who retired ranked second all-time in Division I victories and the overall leader among female coaches in collegiate volleyball with 886 wins.   

The Fieldhouse is also home to the women’s gymnastic team, containing a training area, which includes more than 9,000 square feet of mats, pits, beams, bars and vaults.

Justin Reid, a sophomore from Denver, commented on the Smith Fieldhouse and how it can be used by students for so many different things.

“Its versatility is definitely a quintessential ingredient to the unique culture here at BYU,” Reid said.