Middle Tennesee State University Athletics
Murphy Center set for 50th birthday celebration
7/1/2022 11:00:00 AM | General
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — On December 11, 1972, the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders opened up the newly constructed Charles M. Murphy Athletic Center, tipping off against the Vanderbilt Commodores in their first home game of the 1972-73 season.
In the nearly 50 years since that Monday in December, the "Glass House" has hosted the biggest concert stars of the 70s and 80s, some of the best athletes to ever play the game of basketball, both from the state of Tennessee and outside of it and created countless memories for Blue Raiders of all ages, both in athletic competition and in celebration of life's milestones at graduations and convocations.
"This facility is one of the most iconic buildings in the region, and that is exemplified through the events and performers it has housed," said Director of Athletics Chris Massaro. "Murphy Center is the source of a lifetime of memories created during the last half century, whether that be from athletics, the music industry or from the numerous high school and college graduates who have received their diplomas here. We are excited to celebrate 50 years of this historic arena."
Now, 50 years later, Middle Tennessee Athletics is celebrating the Murphy Center's golden anniversary with a plethora of events, promotions, and online content throughout the 2022-23 season, culminating in the 50th anniversary game, which will be announced later.
The Blue Raiders will take the court wearing throwback uniforms designed off the uniforms Coach Jimmy Earle's team wore in that opening game against Vanderbilt.
Most notably for Blue Raider fans, the concourse of the Murphy Center will feature a colorful timeline around the entirety of Jimmy Earle/Monte Hale Arena, depicting all the great concerts, athletic events, graduations, and many other events that have made Murphy Center one of the defining features of Murfreesboro for five decades.
Fans will have a chance to look back and reminisce in the lead up to the anniversary game, as the Middle Tennessee athletic communications staff will celebrate with 50 posts, starting 50 days out from the 50th anniversary game, highlighting the incredible history of the Glass House with videos, photos, graphics, feature stories and all-time teams of the top Blue Raiders, Lady Raiders and opponents that have played on the court at Murphy Center.
Speaking of the arena, a special 50th anniversary logo has been created for the upcoming season and will be on display in the facility, on merchandise and much more.
The summer edition of MTSU Magazine, out in early July, will highlight the upcoming birthday with a cover depicting the anniversary logo and a collage of photos from past concerts and athletic events. Inside is a seven-page spread with additional photos from many of the great moments, along with reflections from alumni about some of their most memorable moments in the Glass House.
The Blue Raiders would like to encourage all alums and fans to like and share all the content, participate in the history of this iconic building, and feel free to send us any of your great memories. If you have a great memory you would like to share, please send a video to MTAthleticsMedia@mtsu.edu.
In the nearly 50 years since that Monday in December, the "Glass House" has hosted the biggest concert stars of the 70s and 80s, some of the best athletes to ever play the game of basketball, both from the state of Tennessee and outside of it and created countless memories for Blue Raiders of all ages, both in athletic competition and in celebration of life's milestones at graduations and convocations.
"This facility is one of the most iconic buildings in the region, and that is exemplified through the events and performers it has housed," said Director of Athletics Chris Massaro. "Murphy Center is the source of a lifetime of memories created during the last half century, whether that be from athletics, the music industry or from the numerous high school and college graduates who have received their diplomas here. We are excited to celebrate 50 years of this historic arena."
Now, 50 years later, Middle Tennessee Athletics is celebrating the Murphy Center's golden anniversary with a plethora of events, promotions, and online content throughout the 2022-23 season, culminating in the 50th anniversary game, which will be announced later.
The Blue Raiders will take the court wearing throwback uniforms designed off the uniforms Coach Jimmy Earle's team wore in that opening game against Vanderbilt.
Most notably for Blue Raider fans, the concourse of the Murphy Center will feature a colorful timeline around the entirety of Jimmy Earle/Monte Hale Arena, depicting all the great concerts, athletic events, graduations, and many other events that have made Murphy Center one of the defining features of Murfreesboro for five decades.
Fans will have a chance to look back and reminisce in the lead up to the anniversary game, as the Middle Tennessee athletic communications staff will celebrate with 50 posts, starting 50 days out from the 50th anniversary game, highlighting the incredible history of the Glass House with videos, photos, graphics, feature stories and all-time teams of the top Blue Raiders, Lady Raiders and opponents that have played on the court at Murphy Center.
Speaking of the arena, a special 50th anniversary logo has been created for the upcoming season and will be on display in the facility, on merchandise and much more.
The summer edition of MTSU Magazine, out in early July, will highlight the upcoming birthday with a cover depicting the anniversary logo and a collage of photos from past concerts and athletic events. Inside is a seven-page spread with additional photos from many of the great moments, along with reflections from alumni about some of their most memorable moments in the Glass House.
The Blue Raiders would like to encourage all alums and fans to like and share all the content, participate in the history of this iconic building, and feel free to send us any of your great memories. If you have a great memory you would like to share, please send a video to MTAthleticsMedia@mtsu.edu.
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