ADDRESS: N Kedzie Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60625
The NPU Gym / Carlson Gymnasium, home of the North Park University men's and women's basketball and volleyball teams, received significant upgrades to its playing surface over the summer of 2021.
At the helm of continuous athletics rebranding initiatives, Director of Athletics John Born wanted the court's new design to be "big, bold, and new". With guidance from Born, President Mary Surridge, Vice President Anthony Scola, and Vice President Scott Stenmark, fifth-year Sports Information Director Tyler Woolbright designed the Chicago-themed floor.
The new-and-improved design boasts a silhouette of the Chicago Skyline, immediately visible for any spectators upon entry. The Vikings' primary color of royal blue provides obvious contrast to the natural flooring fill of the skyline, while the areas beyond the baselines and sidelines were stained black.
Additionally, the Vikings' secondary color, gold, is showcased in the "North Park Vikings" lettering beneath the skyline, the Chicago flag styled stars beyond both baselines, and in the outline of the volleyball court.
Finally, the court includes North Park's shield logo at the court's center circle and gives a nod to the new College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin logo on each side of the court.
The North Park Gymnasium in Carlson Tower seats 1,500 people and is home to North Park's men's basketball, women's basketball, men's volleyball, and women's volleyball teams. Capacity crowds and an intimate game-time atmosphere make the Gym an unforgettable place both to play and to cheer for Viking athletes. The legendary student section, the "Carlson Crazies," are some of the most original, innovative, and passionate fans in all of college sports.
In the fall of 2018, the North Park Gym was remodeled with high-quality LED light bulbs, greatly increasing the visibility inside of the gymnasium.
Varsity locker rooms have space for all men's and women's varsity sports, along with a relaxing lounge atmosphere for athletes before and after practice. The space also doubles as a great spot for team meetings with a seating capacity of 60.
The athletic training facility features multi-table evaluation and rehabilitation space for athletic care and prevention. This area also includes a hydrotherapy room and office space for our four full-time athletic trainers, part of our nationally renowned professional program in athletic training.
Additionally, North Park University's opening convocation ceremony each year and commencement exercises also occur in the North Park Gymnasium.
