Published: - Updated: 2 years ago

Anderson Arena Retrospective

Anderson Arena was built on the Bowling Green State University campus in 1961. From high school regional champions to college players who would become some of the greatest NBA stars, many hands have bounced a basketball here. Anderson Arena in Bowling Green, Ohio, also has hosted graduations, political rallies, and other community events. CLICK ON ANY IMAGE TO VIEW FULL SIZE, START SLIDE SHOW.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo A student walks past Anderson Arena on the Bowling Green State University campus Feb. 23, 2011, in Bowling Green, Ohio. THE BLADE/DAVE ZAPOTOSKY

Enlarge Anderson Arena was under construction on April 16, 1961. BLADE FILE PHOTO

A Falcons player goes for a rebound during a Feb. 5, 1961, game against University of Toledo at Bowling Green's Anderson Arena.

Enlarge A Falcons player goes for a rebound during a Feb. 5, 1961, game against University of Toledo at Bowling Green's ... BLADE FILE PHOTO

BGSU greats, pictured on Nov. 30, 1962: Pat Haley, left, was named Bowling Green's head basketball coach in 1971, becoming the school's first coach to direct a team after playing on it as an undergraduate; Bob Dwors, center, captain and team MVP of the 1964-65 Falcon basketball team, led the Falcons in rebounds his junior and senior seasons and in scoring his last year; and W. Harold Anderson, right, who coached the Bowling Green basketball team for 21 years, leading it to a record of 362 wins and 185 losses.

Enlarge BGSU greats, pictured on Nov. 30, 1962: Pat Haley, left, was named Bowling Green's head basketball coach in 1971, becoming ... BLADE FILE PHOTO

Nate Thurmond was coached by Harold Anderson when he played for Bowling Green State University in the early 1960s. Thurmond would go on to an impressive professional career as one of the greatest rebounders and shot blockers in NBA history.

Enlarge Nate Thurmond was coached by Harold Anderson when he played for Bowling Green State University in the early 1960s. Thurmond ... BLADE FILE PHOTO

Enlarge Bowling Green takes on Marquette on March 5, 1971, in Anderson Arena. BLADE FILE PHOTO

Enlarge The at-capacity crowd cheers March 15, 1989, during a women's basketball tournament at Anderson Arena. BLADE FILE PHOTO

Enlarge A Michigan State defender tries to block the shot of a Bowling Green player during a Dec. 1, 1990, game. BLADE FILE PHOTO

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Bowling Green squares off against Miami in a men's basketball game Feb. 2, 2002, in Anderson Arena. THE BLADE/DAVE ZAPOTOSKY

Enlarge | Buy This Photo David McCarthy and Susan McCarthy, father and sister of Sara Jean McCarthy, address more than 1,000 people at "A ... THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER

Alex Wright, 22, of Wapakontea, Ohio, was BGSU mascot Freddie the Falcon while a student and wore his Freddie shoes during the BGSU commencement May 6, 2006. He received a bachelor of arts degree, majoring in geography and political science.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Alex Wright, 22, of Wapakontea, Ohio, was BGSU mascot Freddie the Falcon while a student and wore his Freddie shoes ... THE BLADE/DAVE ZAPOTOSKY

Holgate and Van Buren boys basketball teams compete in the Division IV regional championship game March 16, 2007, at BGSU's Anderson Arena.

Enlarge Holgate and Van Buren boys basketball teams compete in the Division IV regional championship game March 16, 2007, at BGSU's ... BLADE FILE PHOTO

Holgate's Joe Baker cuts a piece of the net at Anderson Arena after his team won the Division IV regional championship game March 16, 2007.

Enlarge Holgate's Joe Baker cuts a piece of the net at Anderson Arena after his team won the Division IV regional ... BLADE FILE PHOTO

Ali Mann and the rest of the BGSU women's basketball team greet fans March 22, 2007, before departing Anderson Arena to take a charter flight to Greensboro from Toledo Express.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Ali Mann and the rest of the BGSU women's basketball team greet fans March 22, 2007, before departing Anderson Arena ... THE BLADE/ANDY MORRISON

Sunbeams stream through a window at Anderson Arena as lighting technicians Trevor LaChelle and Sarah Rasmussen prepare for the Team Xtreme show April 19, 2007.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Sunbeams stream through a window at Anderson Arena as lighting technicians Trevor LaChelle and Sarah Rasmussen prepare for the Team ... THE BLADE/JEREMY WADSWORTH

Fan John Linus Kreinbrink III picks up Ottawa-Glandorf's head coach Josh Leslie after the team's victory in the Division III regional boys final March 9, 2008, at BGSU's Anderson Arena.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Fan John Linus Kreinbrink III picks up Ottawa-Glandorf's head coach Josh Leslie after the team's victory in the Division ... THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin campaigns at Anderson Arena on Oct. 29, 2008. THE BLADE/DAVE ZAPOTOSKY

The Bowling Green State University women's basketball team reacts to beating Syracuse during the Women's National Invitation Tournament game March 22, 2009, at Anderson Arena in Bowling Green.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo The Bowling Green State University women's basketball team reacts to beating Syracuse during the Women's National Invitation Tournament game March ... THE BLADE/JEREMY WADSWORTH

Bowling Green State University's Jessica Slagle (14) makes a three-point basket against Ohio University's Thia Gholson (32) on Feb. 13, 2010, at Anderson Arena.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Bowling Green State University's Jessica Slagle (14) makes a three-point basket against Ohio University's Thia Gholson (32) on Feb.... THE BLADE/JEREMY WADSWORTH

Libbey's Maurice Taylor (30) goes to the net against Wauseon's Colt Humbert (34) during the Division II district semifinal March 10, 2010, at Anderson Arena.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Libbey's Maurice Taylor (30) goes to the net against Wauseon's Colt Humbert (34) during the Division II district semifinal March ... THE BLADE/JEREMY WADSWORTH

Enlarge | Buy This Photo The Bowling Green women's team celebrate its 79-68 victory over Vanderbilt University on Dec. 1, 2010, at Anderson Arena. THE BLADE/LORI KING

Florida International head coach and former Detroit Piston great Isiah Thomas jokes with Bowling Green State University head coach Louis Orr before a Dec. 12, 2010, game at Anderson Arena.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Florida International head coach and former Detroit Piston great Isiah Thomas jokes with Bowling Green State University head coach Louis ... THE BLADE/ANDY MORRISON

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Bowling Green's Torian Oglesby dunks the ball against Miami in men's basketball action Jan. 16, 2011, at Anderson Arena. THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Bowling Green's Torian Oglesby (32) and Danny McElroy (33) celebrate a win over Miami on Jan. 16, 2011. THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Anderson Arena Retrospective

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