Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14
Wisdom Gym 1333 W. Washington Stephenville, TX 76401
Year Opened: 1970
Capacity: 3,000
Tarleton State University (MBB)
Stephenville is a city of approximately 20,000 people located in north central Texas. Known affectionately as the Cowboy Capital of the World, Stephenville is home to numerous world-renowned horse trainers and top-level professional rodeo athletes, most notably Ty Murray. Murray is a nine-time PRCA world champion cowboy and co-founder of the Professional Bull Riders Association (PBR). In 2023 no less than 42 (31%) of the qualifiers for the National Finals Rodeo came from the Stephenville metro area.
In addition to professional level cowboys, Tarleton State University sponsors championship level rodeo, stock horse, and animal judging teams to solidify the town’s claim to the western-themed title. Not just a one-horse town, however, Tarleton currently sponsors 15 NCAA Division 1 athletic teams, having moved up from Division 2 competition in 2020. The men’s basketball team, which first played in 1906, has competed in Wisdom Gym since 1970. Competing at the NAIA, NCAA D2, and now NCAA D1 levels they have compiled eight conference championships and 14 postseason appearances, the most recent in 2017.
Since 1970 Tarleton has played its home basketball games in venerable Wisdom Gym. Opened as a multisport facility, the gym seats 3000 using pullout seats on each side of the venue. The seating in the lower section has been updated with seatback chairs on the home side of the court, but the upper seating is still the original wooden pull-out bleachers, which take fans on a trip down memory lane. With a modern video scoreboard and live DJ pumping music, the setting is upbeat and energetic. This will be the final season for basketball in Wisdom Gym, as it will become a volleyball-only facility in the future; Tarleton basketball will move to a new venue next year.
Food & Beverage 3
All normal concession stand fare is available at Wisdom Gym, though there are no specialty items. Snacks include candy, chips, popcorn, and pretzels, while heartier food choices include hog dogs, nachos, and pulled pork sandwiches.
Non-alcoholic drinks offered are Pepsi products, including Pepsi, Dr Pepper, Starry, Tropicana Lemonade, and Gatorade; alcoholic beverages available include Coors Light, Miller Lite, Dos Equis, White Claw, and Revolver Brewing’s local offering, Texan Rider.
My suggestion is a pretzel with extra cheese for dipping and a cold Texan Rider.
Atmosphere 5
The atmosphere for Tarleton men’s basketball is well above what you would expect – the presence of DJ Quan, spinning jams before the game and during dead ball periods, gives the game energy and pumps up the crowd. There are also on-court fan participation games during halftime and during select stoppages in play, and groups attending games get special recognition – all these fan-friendly activities create an environment where fans enjoy themselves.
The most recent game I attended was a game honoring the kids and leaders of Scouting America, so the general admission crowd was well over 50 percent scouts.
Neighborhood 4
Tarleton is set in the center of Stephenville, which is a small town of approximately 20,000 people. The area around campus is mostly residential, but with many restaurants and fast food choices within a few minutes’ drive. The best options nearby include Hard 8 Bar-B-Q, Grump’s Burgers, Don Nico’s Mexican Food, Newton’s Saddlerack, or Caam’s Pizza Restaurant. Should you prefer an old school diner experience, Jake and Dorothy’s is a locally owned joint that dates back to 1948, the place where waffle cut fries were invented and chicken fried steak is the calling card; just carry cash as they do not accept credit or debit cards.
There are plenty of hotels to choose from in town – some of the more highly rated choices include Hampton Inn & Suites , La Quinta Inn and Suites, and Best Western Plus, among others. If you prefer short term rental options, there are several small houses and cabins available in and around Stephenville. On busy weekends, however, availability can be an issue.
Fans 5
Tarleton fans are loud and loyal. The student section is at floor level across from the two benches, and the students are very involved in the game. The intimate setting of the old gym creates an environment where the crowd can have maximum impact on the game. Time will tell what the new basketball arena provides.
The Texans are supported by cheerleaders and their mascot the Texan Rider, who is fully adorned in Cowboy attire including leather chaps, silk cravat, and black hat. Foul Play, the student pep band, plays at men’s basketball games as well, alternating with DJ Quan during stoppages in play, so there is never a long period of silence.
At a recent conference game I attended, the student section was nearly full; they were loud, intimidating, and conducted choreographed cheers and other coordinated distraction tricks to disrupt the opposing team.
Access 4
Stephenville is approximately three and a half hours north of San Antonio via US-281, or three hours from Austin via Interstate 35; from the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex it is only a little over an hour’s drive. Once in town the university is easily accessible, and ample parking near the gym is available.
There is no commercial air travel into town and public transportation is rideshare only, which is limited at best. The best option if flying into the region is to fly to DFW airport, Love Field in Dallas, Austin-Bergstrom airport, or the San Antonio airport and rent a vehicle to drive.
Return On Investment 4
General admission tickets begin at $10, and a full meal can be purchased for less than $10, so the ROI at Wisdom Gym is well worth the trip. Free parking adds value to the game experience as well.
Hopefully the move to a newer location does not affect this rating negatively.
Extras 4
The presence of a live DJ takes the atmosphere to a high level, one that is completely unexpected when you enter the gym – hype music is one thing, but with DJ Quan in the stands, the desire to dance during timeouts is greatly enhanced.
Games involving the crowd also enhance the experience and keep the game moving. The Foul Play band also helps to avoid down time.
The old school feel of the entrance and upper section of the building, combined with the upgraded seating and amenities, creates a feeling for nostalgia without losing any of the comforts the fans have come to expect in today’s gameday experiences.
Final Thoughts
Tarleton Texan basketball games are quality entertainment options, and Wisdom Gym is a classic setting for a positive experience. While this is the last year this venue will host basketball games, volleyball games will continue to be housed in the facility.
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