Hauser Gymnasium - Hauser Jets
- Marc Viquez
- Feb 24
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 16
Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57
Hauser High School Gymnasium 9423 N State Rd. 9 Hope, IN 47246
Year Opened: 1966
Capacity: 1,573
A Small Gym That Packs a Punch
While the Hauser Gymnasium may not be one of the largest in the state, it ranks highly among the many small-town gyms that dot the map of Indiana. The 1,573-seat venue features an innovative upper-deck design that offers a vantage point not found in many other facilities.
The Hauser Jets have made the gym a tough place to play the past few years, posting a winning home record. The town of Hope has a population of only 2,158. Still, on many nights, the majority of its residents make their way to the high school to watch Jets basketball during the cold winter months, since both the school and the gymnasium opened in the fall of 1966.
Basketball has been played in town for well over a century, and the Hope High School Red Devils were the original team in town. In 1957, the school merged with Clifford High School and adopted the name Hauser in honor of the town's founder, Martin Hauser. The Student Council would also choose the modern name, Jets, as its new nickname, along with the colors of black and white. The basketball team would play at the old gym until 1966.
The old Hope Gym stood for many years and was considered a filming location for the movie Hoosiers, potentially serving as the home court of the Hickory Huskers. Ultimately, however, producers chose the Knightstown Gym instead.
The building was later purchased by the Community Center of Hope and continued to host volleyball games, league basketball, fundraisers, and other special events. In April 2022, a fire destroyed most of the historic structure.
The Hauser Gymnasium is a gem in Indiana's small-town sports scene. With a seating capacity of 1,573, this venue boasts an innovative upper deck design, offering unique views unmatched by many larger facilities. Home to the spirited Hauser Jets, the gym has become a fortress for its basketball team, showcasing a remarkable winning record in recent years
Food & Beverage 4
The gym features two concession areas—one focused on classic game-day favorites and the other dedicated to sweet treats. In the main lobby, fans can choose from a wide variety of options, including hot dogs, steak burgers, BBQ sandwiches, nachos, pretzels, and cheesy breadsticks.
Combo meals are available, allowing guests to bundle a main item with a drink and candy for added value. The Coca-Cola Company products are proudly served as the beverage of choice at Hauser Gym.
A separate table highlights “dirty sodas,” a fun and popular fundraiser supporting school programs. These specialty drinks blend soda with flavored syrups and coffee creamers to create unique combinations like peaches and cream, tropical twist, and cherry limeade.
The second concession stand specializes in snacks and desserts, offering freshly popped popcorn, warm cookies, Nutella treats, and a variety of drinks. A portion of the proceeds from these sales benefits the school’s music boosters.
Food Options at the Gym, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey
Atmosphere 4
Upon entering, the unique upstairs seating immediately catches the eye, with balconies encircling the gym's perimeter. This upper seating area overlooks the court, offering a perspective that is rare in many other facilities across the state. Staircases at each of the four corners lead patrons to the second level, and once seated, you'll enjoy some of the finest views in the building.
The student section is dubbed the Danger Zone, and the small group of 50 students dress up in theme outfits, stand, stomp, and cheer throughout the game in support of their Jets. They are small in size but are deafeningly loud to cause havoc to any would-be opponent attempting a free throw. During halftime and after the game, the student group continues the celebrations with more cheering and dancing around the court.
Student Section at Hauser Jets, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey
The players take the court with the sounds of jet engines blasting in the background, and an enthusiastic public address announcer pumps even more energy and excitement into the stands. The sound system works quite well, and it’s hard not to get excited about the opening tip-off. Fans stand and clap during the playing of the school fight song.
Multiple black and white school championship banners hang against the walls of the upper deck seating area. The railings of the upper level are adorned with mini-painted silver jets, conference opponent banners hang at the center railing, and the school’s 2006 state championship banner is front and center from the rafters.
Neighborhood 2
Hope is a small town of just about over 2,000 people located 20 miles between the towns of Columbus and Shelbyville, Indiana. Access to the town is through S.R. 9, where the school is located. Like many Indiana towns, there is a square that features a few restaurants on Main Street, including El Jefe Mexican Restaurant and The Corner Cafe. However, your best bet might be heading south to Columbus to enjoy some of the great breweries and restaurants that the city has to offer, including 450 North Brewery, or a few miles north in Shelbyville, to enjoy food and beverages at Capone's Speakeasy.
The Hauser Gym is close to a few other basketball gyms and a minor league hockey arena. The Columbus North Bulldogs and Columbus East Olympians play in distinct gymnasiums, and the Shelbyville Bruins play at the William L. Garrett Memorial Gymnasium. The Indiana Sentinels of the FHPL also play in Columbus at the Hamilton Community Center & Ice Arena.
Fans 5
During our visit, the gym was filled with enthusiastic fans. The Jets have been having a fantastic basketball season, and it was senior night. The attendance accounted for 50% of the town's population. The school's athletic director mentioned that this was typical for a weekend game, and he anticipated even higher turnout in the future. The crowd proudly sported their school colors, engaged in conversations about the team's performance, and reminisced about watching some of the seniors play in junior basketball.
Access 3
The small gym is very easy to navigate, with concession stands and restrooms located in the main lobby, along with staircases leading to the upper deck. Despite the potential for large crowds, movement remains comfortable and unobstructed. Conveniently situated on State Road 9, the gym offers ample parking for visitors.
Return on Investment 3
The Hauser Gym is somewhat located off the beaten path, but being able to drive through the small towns of the state on small roads is somewhat appealing to many individuals. The price of admission is $6 for adults, the parking is free, and the concessions are no more than $5 per item. You also get to enjoy basketball in one of the most eclectic-looking facilities, perhaps in the area; to me, that’s worth the price of admission.
Extras 4
A star is awarded to the Danger Zone, the section made up of 50 high-energy students who provide an atmosphere just as energetic as larger high school facilities and some soccer pitches.
The second star is awarded to the mini silver-painted jets that adorn the top rails of the facility. A nice nod to the school’s nickname and a simple way to give the place a little home cooking.
A third star goes to the upper deck seating, which is one of the quirkiest in the state. This area offers a unique perspective of the game, providing an enjoyable viewing experience that's also spacious and comfortable.
A final star is awarded to the home announcer who adds a level of boisterous frenzy to the pregame warmups, player introductions, and the rest of the game.
Final Thoughts
While the state is known for hosting some of the largest high school basketball gymnasiums in the world, it also boasts many smaller venues that offer equally enjoyable experiences for watching high school hoops. Hauser Gymnasium comes alive on a chilly winter night; if you can plan a visit, you'll be pleasantly surprised.
