Murphy Center, MTSU

History

The Charles M. Murphy Athletic Center, known as Murphy Center, opened on December 11, 1972, on the Middle Tennessee State University campus in Murfreesboro. It is named for Charles M. “Bubber” Murphy, a former athletics director, coach, and athlete there. The glass-walled arena holds 11,520 and is the home of MTSU basketball, commencements, and other campus events. It has also been a concert hall: sold-out Elvis Presley shows in 1974 and 1975, Bruce Springsteen in 1984, U2 in 1987, Bon Jovi in 1989, the Judds’ farewell in 1991, and a Garth Brooks television special in 1992. A 2014 renovation updated the roof, lighting, air conditioning, and fan spaces.