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Eastern Illinois volleyball will return to a sport-specific venue for the first time since the 1980s as the University has announced that the Panthers volleyball team will return to McAfee Gym as their home court beginning with the 2025 season.
 
The project is being made possible through the donation of Eastern Illinois alumnus Joe Gardella ('89) and the Gardella family.  The volleyball facility will be housed in the South Gym of McAfee providing the Panthers program a volleyball only facility and create a home court advantage inside the historic building.  Pending EIU Board of Trustee approval, the McAfee South Gym will be named the Gardella Family Volleyball Court.
 
"The commitment of Joe, Leta, and the entire Gardella family to EIU, the Charleston Community, and Women's athletics is truly inspiring. Returning intercollegiate athletics to McAfee—in the heart of campus—will enhance the campus experience for all of EIU's students—and most importantly create a new home for Panther Volleyball," said EIU President Dr. Jay Gatrell.
 
"The Gardella Family is pleased to support the repurposing of McAfee," said Gardella, a 1989 EIU alumnus.  "Bringing purpose back to this iconic building via a volleyball-centric facility is exciting for many.  EIU women's volleyball now has their own space.  We believe the administration, athletic department and coaching staff recognize the long term benefit of this project."
 
Modernization plans are underway in the facility which will include the installation of a new volleyball court and EIU branding while keeping in consideration the historic elements of the building which housed EIU Athletic competitions until the late 1960s and then was the home of EIU women's athletics until the 1980s.  The move emphasizes EIU's commitment to Title IX as the university continues to enhance the student-athlete experience in all of its athletic facilities.  This move will allow the men's and women's basketball programs to utilize Groniger Arena as both their practice and competition venue while McAfee Gym will serve that purpose for Panther volleyball.
 
"We are happy to offer this opportunity to our volleyball student-athletes," said EIU Athletic Director Tom Michael.  "This facility will allow the program to have a facility to solely call their own home as they compete in the Ohio Valley Conference.  I believe our fans will enjoy watching volleyball in this unique environment and our team will continue to follow a nationwide trend of volleyball teams having their own training and competition facility."