Paul Wright Gym

Built in 1951 and renovated several times since, Paul Wright Gym boasts a capacity of 1,800 spectators. At 7,723 feet above sea level, the facility is the highest collegiate gym in the world.

In 1960, the current swimming pool was added to the facility. In 1965, the wrestling room was added on the east side to help support the back-to-back college division national championship teams of 1963 and 1964.

In 1998, a major 40,000 square foot renovation was completed that added a 2,500 square foot weight room and a locker facility for visiting teams and the Western student body. Along with the south addition, six classrooms were included that allowed the Recreation and Exercise Science Department to conduct all its classes in one building.

During the 1998 renovation, the Mountaineer Sports Hall of Fame Room was completed with meeting facilities and trophy cases.

In 2008, a new gym floor and retractable baskets were installed. New bleachers were installed in 2005.

The building is named after Paul W. Wright, who spent 38 years as a professor, coach and administrator at what was then known as Western State College. He also served as judge and mayor in Gunnison and was instrumental in establishing skiing as an NCAA sport.