Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.19
The Orange Pit 230 S Marr Rd. Columbus, IN 47201
Year Opened: 1972
Capacity: 3,771
Columbus East Isn't the Pits
When you walk inside the basketball home of Columbus East High School an orange hue that envelops the facility. The orange color is dominant from signage, banners, wall paneling, and all the way down to the basketball. You might have to rub your eyes to make sure you’re seeing things clearly.
The origin of the gym’s name stems from a giant banner that once hung across the end of the gym and read: “Home of the East Olympians.” At some point, the banner was stolen and a new permanent sign was erected reading “Welcome to The Orange Pit.”
According to former Athletic Director, the late Glen Brown, the use of the word pit is believed to be based on a college venue that used the same name, but he was unsure of which college venue. The only other college basketball arena that is known as “The Pit” is the home of the New Mexico Lobos.
Eight feet of water covered the gym’s floor after several rivers in town crested due to severe weather in June 2008. After the water had receded, there were 13 large catfish left on the court. The pit sign was not damaged but did need a fresh coat of paint. In 2017, the facility received new bleacher seating and a coat of fresh paint around the hallways. A new sound system was installed before the start of the 2018 season.
Both the gym and high school were built in 1972 in order to meet the population boom of Columbus. The gymnasium holds 3,711 people and looks similar in design to many others built during this time. It features two levels of seating on rollaway wooden bleachers and a main concourse wraps around the upper level.
What differentiates the gym from others of its kind, is the giant orange sign that reads “Welcome to The Orange Pit.” The sign is dominating from all areas of the building and creates much of the hue that envelops the gym during a game. Up above the sign are banners and an area for fans to peak out to enjoy the game from a bird’s eye view.
Food & Beverage 2
The gym has a small concession stand on the upper level that sells hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, candy, pretzels, and candy. Coca-cola products are the beverage of choice and all items cost between $2 and $4. Next door to the concession stand is where soft-served ice cream is served by the Columbus East Alumni. The tinted-orange vanilla ice cream is called "Orange Flame" and sells well at games. It is dairy-free and costs $3 a cup.
Atmosphere 3
The building's design is typical of many in the state, but what makes the place stand out is the orange color. “The Orange Pit” sign is the most dominant feature and might just be one of the most distinguishable features of any Hoosier gym. The orange colors provided a unique tinge underneath the ceiling lighting that provided an interesting look to the game. The center court also displays the good-looking Olympians-torch logo.
This year was the host of sectional games this season that culminated in the home Olympians playing against the Whiteland Warriors. A big crowd featuring alumni, locals, and large student sections was at the game. Fans watched from their seats on both levels and many more from above the floor behind the nets. Cheerleaders entertained the crowd and pumped up the fan base during time-outs in the game.
Fans watch the the game above the court on the stoop
The gym has around 40 state championship and finals banners decked out on both sides, photographs of senior basketball players and cheerleaders on the lower deck, and a scorers table with the school’s logo. Even on the main concourse, images of past glory hang for all to admire.
The main lobby houses trophies and championship paraphernalia. The accolades are neatly displayed just outside the upper seating area. Once through the doors, the cheers are heard for its hometown heroes.
Neighborhood 3
Columbus is less than 45 minutes south of Indianapolis on I-65. The town of 50,000 plus is also home to Columbus North High School’s Memorial Gymnasium. Downtown is worth visiting and offers a few places to eat and drink while you are in town. They include longtime favorites Zwanzigz Pizza featuring hoagies, calzones, and salads. The Garage Pub and Grill and Amazing Joe’s for traditional pub food and good times.
For those looking for a pint, the city offers 450 North Brewing Company, which also offers brick oven pizza by the slice, and the Columbus Bar which offers several craft beers on tap. There are other recommendations: Henry Social Club, 4th Street Bar & Grill, and Blacksheep Pizza & Cocktails.
The Indiana Premium Outlet is located off of I-65 and 15 minutes away from the gym, with further restaurant chain restaurant options. The mall houses over 100 stores in a walkable outside mall design.
Fans 3
The crowds are tepid on many nights during the winter months, but swell when either Columbus North comes to campus or during sectional play. It brings out the best of the place with student cheer blocks dressed in corresponding outfits and fans of the Olympians cheering from the upper portions of the seating bowl.
Access 4
The high school and gym are located a few miles away from I-65 and it is recommended to use GPS. The gym offers plenty of parking and easy access in and around the gym. There are bathrooms located near the concession stand and the aisles are somewhat wider than at other places.
Return on Investment 4
The ticket prices are $7 for all home games and a great price to enjoy basketball in one of the state's most interesting-looking high school cathedrals. The orange color is bold, the views are great, and East plays a brand of basketball that can be appreciated by many. Also, the local neighborhood has enough to offer to make for an eventful evening.
Extras 4
The gym receives an extra point for the giant sign that welcomes people to “The Orange Pit,” a great name for a high school gym and one that lives up to the colors of the gym. The gym receives another point for the multiple banners that are colored either brown or white at each end of the court.
The third point is for the orange flame ice cream that is made at the building for games. The fundraiser earned $9,000 during its first year. The gym receives a fourth and final point for the nicely decorated lobby and trophy room.
Final Thoughts
The Orange Pit throws its hats into the ring of interesting high school gyms in Indiana. Its name, colors, and signage are appealing to many first time visitors. Its location in Columbus is close to great shopping and dining opportunities that make it an easy choice during the season for high school hoops.
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Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com
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