The University of Missouri gymnastics team previously shared the Hearnes Center with the volleyball and wrestling teams as a competition space, and practiced at an off-campus facility. But, following a third-place finish at the NCAA Championships — the best postseason finish of any women’s athletics team in Mizzou history — the team has been upgraded and will compete in Mizzou Arena.
According to KOMU, Mizzou athletics director Laird Veatch said the rehoming of the gymnastics program “represents a significant step” forward for the team and coach Shannon Welker.
"Mizzou Arena gives our program a stage that matches our ambition as an incredible environment for our student-athletes and a first-class experience for our fans," Welker said. "This move reflects where our program is and where we're continuing to go. Mizzou Arena brings a noise and energy that changes meets. We're grateful to our administration, Director of Athletics Laird Veatch and our campus partners for believing in this vision, and we can't wait to fill it with black and gold like we've seen our basketball programs do. Together, we're going to make it one of the toughest places to compete in college gymnastics."
The historic Hearnes Center was once regarded as one of the “loudest and most intimidating venues” in college basketball when it opened in the 1970s. Upon the completion of Mizzou Arena in 2004, basketball was relocated. Meanwhile, the gymnastics team has called the Hearnes Center home since 1980.
"Coming off the best season in program history, our student-athletes and fans deserve a premier environment that matches the program's championship standards,” said Veatch. “Mizzou Arena will elevate the student-athlete experience, enhance the fan atmosphere and position Mizzou gymnastics for even greater success in the years ahead."
The Tigers kick off the new season in Mizzou Arena in January 2026, and will meet with last year’s national champion, Oklahoma, under the bright arena lights.
