Unique Venues: Martz Hall

Known by nicknames such as “The Mecca” and “Heaven of Hardwood,” Martz Hall in Pottsville, Pennsylvania has captivated visitors for more than half a century.

Opened in 1970 as part of the D.H.H. Lengel Middle School complex, the home of the Pottsville Crimson Tide holds more than 4,000 spectators and features old-school wooden bleachers overlooking its basketball court. Martz Hall’s seating layout creates an intimate atmosphere, despite the facility’s size, while the high ceilings amplify the roar of the crowd.

Since hosting its first Schuylkill County playoff game in 1972, Martz Hall has served as a proving ground for generations of local basketball stars. The venue has staged countless major tournament games, including Schuylkill League and District 11 playoffs as well as Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) state tournament matchups.

Many basketball coaches have proclaimed the road to a state championship to run through Pottsville’s iconic gym. In a uniquely local tradition, victorious teams once showered the court with Hershey’s Kisses after clinching a trip to the state finals in Hershey.

Martz Hall’s hardwood has seen its share of basketball legends, including future NBA stars Kobe Bryant, Sam Bowie and Billy Owens, along with numerous college standouts like Gerry McNamara and Matt Carroll.

Beyond basketball, Martz Hall has long served as a hub for community and culture. Over the decades, it has hosted the Harlem Globetrotters, comedian Bob Hope, country star Jerry Reed and even heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali. In 2004, President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney held a campaign rally there.

Though time took its toll on the storied gym, a $1 million state grant in recent years helped restore its former glory. Roof repairs began in 2019, followed by a full restoration of the signature hardwood floor in 2021 — a careful renewal ensuring future generations can play where legends once stood.

This iconic venue continues to be a central point for basketball in the region, bringing together local communities to celebrate the sport and witness future stars and unforgettable moments.