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Where Did Rice Play Its Basketball Games Before Autry Court Was Built?

I don’t know.

I had assumed that they played in the field house after it was built in 1921, but the other day I was looking at some pictures from the late 20s that I’d never seen before and a couple of pieces suddenly clicked together for me—I realized that they couldn’t have played there because there was no place to sit down. Have a look yourself:

Close examination of Threshers from the late 1920s confirms that the field house was just a practice facility.

So where did they play? I now think it must have been in some sort of civic auditorium or the like. Judging by this game photo from the same era this was a multipurpose venue! Zoom in and have a look at the walls.

Also, I love how beautifully the crowd is dressed.

Bonus: Tommy Lavergne sent in this image he took this morning in the fog. I’ve seen more pictures of this view than I can count and have taken my share as well. This is one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen.

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