Vergil Fletcher Gymnasium

- 2201 S Morrison Ave, Collinsville, IL 62234

Introduction / Overview

For residents across the Illinois region, particularly those in the Metro East and Collinsville area, the Vergil Fletcher Gymnasium is far more than a simple structure; it is a storied landmark synonymous with deep local history and legendary high school basketball tradition. Located at Collinsville High School, this facility, often referred to as 'Fletcher Gym' or 'The Purple Palace,' is considered one of the most illustrious high school basketball gyms in Illinois. It is named after Coach Vergil Fletcher, a revered figure who led the Collinsville Kahoks to decades of success, including a State Championship in 1961 with an undefeated 32-0 season.

Built in 1971, the gymnasium is renowned for its large capacity, capable of holding thousands of enthusiastic fans with its distinctive two-tiered seating on three sides. Unlike a traditional commercial fitness center, the Vergil Fletcher Gymnasium serves as the primary arena for the Collinsville Kahok Athletics program and a venue for significant community and regional events, including the annual Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Tournament. Its classification as a "Gym" refers specifically to its use as a high-volume sports arena. While it is not an open-access facility for general public workouts, it is a place where Illinois locals gather to witness and participate in the spirited tradition of high school athletics. For those seeking a facility steeped in history and community pride, the Vergil Fletcher Gymnasium stands as a cultural icon in Collinsville, IL.

Location and Accessibility

The Vergil Fletcher Gymnasium is an integral part of the Collinsville High School campus, situated in a central and easily recognizable area of Collinsville, Illinois. Its address is a known point for countless sports fans and participants across the state, making it a key location in the 62234 zip code.

The address for this historic Illinois Gymnasium is:

2201 S Morrison Ave, Collinsville, IL 62234, USA

As a major public facility that frequently hosts large crowds for athletic events, the Gymnasium and the Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 prioritize accessibility. Key features that ensure public access and comfort include:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance: Ensuring that all spectators and participants, regardless of mobility, can enter the facility to enjoy events.
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot: Providing dedicated and convenient parking spaces close to the entrance for those who require them.
• Wheelchair accessible restroom: Accessible restrooms are available for public use during events and facility operating times.

The location on S Morrison Avenue offers straightforward vehicular access and is a well-established route for residents commuting from surrounding Illinois communities.

Services Offered

The "services" offered by the Vergil Fletcher Gymnasium primarily revolve around its function as a large-scale athletic and event venue for Collinsville High School and the wider community. It does not provide services typical of a commercial gym, such as membership tiers or open access to exercise machines. Its core services and availability are centered on its role within the school district.

• Athletic Event Hosting: Serving as the main court for Collinsville High School's Kahok Basketball teams, hosting regular season games and postseason tournaments for both boys and girls.
• Basketball Court Access: The main facility features a professional-grade Basketball Court, which is utilized for games, practices, and school events.
• Event Venue Rental (Subject to School Policy): The facility, often alongside an auxiliary gym, may be utilized for regional events, tournaments (like the Collinsville Holiday Tournament), and community functions, adhering strictly to school district and athletic department guidelines.
• Youth Sports Camps: The gymnasium is often the location for summer sports camps, such as the Jr. Kahoks Basketball program, providing structured fundamental instruction by high school coaches and players.
• Spectator Amenities: Providing basic amenities necessary for large public gatherings, including restrooms for comfort and safety.

Public use is generally restricted to official school and community events. Illinois residents interested in using the gym for non-school-affiliated purposes should direct all inquiries to the Collinsville High School Athletic Department.

Features / Highlights

The highlights of the Vergil Fletcher Gymnasium are rooted in its rich history, its status as a premier sports venue, and its dedicated support for the Collinsville community.

• Historic Basketball Venue: The gymnasium is widely recognized for its deep historical significance in Illinois high school basketball, being the long-time home of the Kahoks and named after legendary coach Vergil Fletcher.
• Impressive Seating Capacity: The facility is noted for its large, two-tiered seating, holding over 3,000 spectators, which creates an electrifying atmosphere for high-stakes games.
• Hosting Major Tournaments: It is the site of the prestigious annual Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Tournament, drawing teams and spectators from across Illinois and providing high-quality basketball viewing.
• Commitment to Accessibility: Featuring fully Wheelchair accessible entry, parking, and restrooms, reflecting the school district's commitment to accommodating all community members at events.
• Center of Kahok Athletics: The gym is the symbolic and physical heart of Collinsville High School athletics, housing trophy cases and historical banners, including one commemorating the 1961 undefeated state champions.

Contact Information

As a facility managed by the Collinsville Community Unit School District #10, inquiries regarding the Vergil Fletcher Gymnasium—such as event schedules, facility use during non-school hours, or rental opportunities—should be directed to the main school or the Athletic Department.

• Address: 2201 S Morrison Ave, Collinsville, IL 62234, USA (Part of Collinsville High School)

For phone inquiries regarding the use of the gymnasium, Illinois users should contact the main line for Collinsville High School or the Athletic Director's office, whose public contact numbers are typically listed on the official school district website. Direct contact should be made with the school administration for the most accurate and current information on public access to the facility.

What is Worth Choosing

The Vergil Fletcher Gymnasium is worth choosing for any Illinois resident who is a passionate fan of high school sports, a collector of local history, or a parent seeking a venue for structured youth athletic development. While it does not offer the "open gym" experience of a commercial fitness center, its value is immeasurable as a cultural and athletic institution in Collinsville.

Choosing to attend an event at Fletcher Gym is choosing to be part of a vibrant, deeply rooted Illinois tradition. The atmosphere created by the massive seating capacity and the history celebrated within the walls cannot be replicated by any modern fitness chain. The commitment to accessibility—demonstrated by the wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, and restrooms—ensures that the legacy of the Kahoks is inclusive for all spectators. For local Collinsville families, the gym is the trusted place where their children, the next generation of Kahoks, participate in camps and competitive sports. Ultimately, the Vergil Fletcher Gymnasium is a must-visit destination in the Illinois sports landscape for its history, its atmosphere, and its unwavering position as the heart of Collinsville Kahok pride.

Vergil Fletcher Gymnasium

2201 S Morrison Ave, Collinsville, IL 62234, USA