The Eagles Nest - Frankton Eagles

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43

The Eagles Nest 610 East Clyde St. Frankton, IN 46044

Frankton Eagles website The Eagles Next website

Year Opened: 1959 Capacity: 2,500

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A Hidden Gem in the Hoosier State

Frankton Jr./Sr. High School is home to a 2,500-seat basketball gymnasium affectionately known as The Eagles Nest. The gymnasium was built along with the school for the 1959-1960 academic year. The project cost $940,000, and the first game was played on November 2, 1959, with a crowd of close to 3,000 that saw Frankton defeat Lapel 64-49.

There have been many changes inside the gym, from the 49-star US flag to renovations to part of the bleacher seating, but much has remained the same. Visiting the gym is a trip back in time on Friday nights during the cold winter months. That small-school feeling still exists in games against nearby rivals Lapel and Elwood.

In December 2025, the gymnasium co-hosted the inaugural Central Indiana Holiday Classic with Elwood High School for the first time. The two-day event features 18 teams from around the state, with six games that begin at 10:00 AM and run until 8:00 PM at each building, culminating in championship games the next day.

Food & Beverage 4

The concession stand is located at the entrance to the gym and underneath the grandstand. The long, narrow stand efficiently moves people in and out during the game, offering a handful of menu items that should satisfy every patron.

The items include hot dogs, pizza slices, popcorn, nachos, candy, and Pepsi products. Prices range from $2 for a hot dog to $5 for nachos. However, more is served during the Holiday Classic, which serves as a fundraiser for the students of Frankton High.

Dirty Sodas are available in seven flavors, including Dr. Pepper with vanilla creamer and lime, and Sprite with cherry syrup, cherries, and glitter. They cost $4 each. Chick-fil-A sandwiches are also available for $7, and locally made ice cream from The Depot is served in a variety of flavors for $5 per scoop.

However, Rex’s Chili is a must-have at the game. The homemade recipe has been served since 1990 and is available frozen by the quart at all home games; it is served piping hot during the tournament games.

Atmosphere 4

The Eagles Nest is a classic bandbox gym with out-of-bounds lines inches from spectators' feet, foul lines rubbing against the stage and stands, and a low-hanging ceiling. It is a callback to another time in high school basketball in Indiana. It is a gym with many quirks.

Three sides of the gymnasium have seating, but one side has newer plastic bleachers that can be folded up to create more room for gym programs during the school day. There is a corner of the seating bowl with railings that separate it from the rest of the bowl. The cinderblock walls are covered with multiple conference championships from the school's numerous sports programs.

The stage is bordered in brick and features a red curtain. The stage area includes a few tables and chairs for media and tournament personnel. There is also a photographer hanging off the stage to capture pictures for the school. The stage is also used for additional seating during higher-attendance games, most notably against the rival Lapel High School. On each side of the stage are banners from school championships, an American flag, a conference banner, and a list of advertisers.

Neighborhood 2

Frankton, Indiana, has a population of around 1,800 and is over an hour from downtown Indianapolis and 45 minutes from Fishers, where the Fishers Event Center hosts the Indy Fuel hockey and the Indy Ignite volleyball teams. There are a few places to visit while in town, including MJ’s Scoops and Moore, The Depot Ice Cream & More, Bernie’s Bar, and Maranatha Coffee Co.

Fans 3

During the Holiday Classic, a small group of fans made their way to the gym to cheer their favorite team. When Frankton showed up for the later game, the gym began to fill with locals, parents, and a small student section. They cheered, roared, and clapped throughout the game.

Access 4

The Eagles Nest is easy to navigate, with concession stands underneath the grandstand and restrooms at the entrance. Additional concession stands are in the main lobby, and service is relatively quick. The 2,500-seat gymnasium is easy to find a seat, but it can become crowded during packed games.

Return on Investment 4

A ticket to the Holiday Classic is $15 for the entire session at Frankton and nearby Elwood High School. This allows fans to watch 6 games while spending $2 for a hot dog and $5 for nachos. It is an affordable way to spend the day during the Holiday season. A ticket to a regular Frankton game is $6 per person. 

Extras 3

The Eagles Nest earns a point for its stage at one end, which also serves as space for media and officials. It is framed in brick and features championship banners above it. It creates a nice centerpiece for the venue.

The gymnasium earns another point for its concession stand underneath the grandstand. The long, narrow area features the old Frankton center court logo and a team photo from the 1934/1935 season.

An additional point is earned for the additional concession items of chili, dirty soda, and Chick-fil-A sandwiches in the main lobby. Each purchase of these items funds school programs and scholarship opportunities.

Final Thoughts

There are newer, more spacious high school basketball gyms in the area. However, many of them lack the atmosphere that is The Eagles Nest. When the gym is packed, the roar of the crowd can be deafening. A true small-school hidden gym in the state that does high school hoops the best.

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Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com