Gardella Family Court at McAfee Gym

Gardella Family Court at McAfee serves as the new home for Eastern Illinois volleyball. The former home for EIU men's basketball (until the late 1960s) and home for several EIU women's athletic teams (until the late 1980s) was updated to serve as the new home for Panther volleyball. A volleyball specific design and surface were installed along with window covers, new scoreboard and new sound system. The facility opened for play for the 2025 season with EIU's first outside competition an exhibition match with Illinois State (Aug. 23).

During the Panthers inaugural season in the facility, EIU posted a 12-0 record at home including winning both the Ohio Valley Conference regular season and tournament titles.

The volleyball only competition facility provides EIU volleyball with a dedicated practice space along with meeting and locker room space for the Panthers.

The historic building was opened in 1938 with the first athletic contest a men's basketball win over Southern Illinois on Dec. 7, 1938. In addition to housing the EIU volleyball program in the main gym, the facility also has a smaller North Gym, Dance Studio and several academic services offices.