Built in 1971, the Activities Center was constructed to seat 1,000 fans for gymnastic activities, stage productions and lectures. It wasn't until 1987 that the Activities Center was converted for the use of varsity athletics with the addition of volleyball.
In 1991, women's basketball joined Madonna as a varsity sport. The Crusaders first ever game in the Activities Center resulted in a 65-57 loss to Concordia-Ann Arbor.
Men's basketball turned into a varsity sport prior to the 1993-94 season with the Crusaders first contest at home resulting in a 111-85 loss to Ohio Dominican.
Over the last 10 years, the Activities Center has been home to the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference volleyball regular season champions. The Madonna volleyball team has been a very tough team within the friendly confines of the Activities Center, having won a conference record 73 consecutive matches spanning five seasons before Cedarville knocked off the Crusaders September 8, 2007.
On March 4, 1997, the women's basketball team defeated Mount St. Joseph 57-52 in the Great Lakes Sectional Championship game, which clinched the Crusaders first ever trip to the NAIA National Tournament under former head coach Marylou Jansen.
During the 2006-07 season, the Activities Center hosted three conference tournaments, including the first ever home playoff game for the men's basketball team.
The Activities Center has hosted several celebrities in its time as well, including Steve Yzerman, Bob Probert, Joey Kocur, Milt Wilcox and Mike Furrey. Former Detroit Piston Grant Hill also spent some time in the Activities Center, filming a commercial for Sprite.
Every fall, the Activities Center is also home to the Catholic High School League volleyball championships.
The facility itself has had several upgrades, including new bleachers, side basketball baskets and lighting. The current blue bleacher seating was installed in the summer of 2006 in favor of the former wooden and steel pull out seating. The fall of 2007 saw a new hardwood playing surface installed and the addition fo new championship banners were added as well. The facility also houses four locker rooms, a weight room, the athletic training room, the Madonna Athletics Hall of Fame and all of the athletic offices.
Directions to The Activities Center (M/W Basketball, Volleball, Athletic Department Offices)
From Detroit
Take I-96 West to exit 173B, Levan Road. Turn right on Levan and turn into the second driveway on the left. That is the gym parking lot. Park at the south end (toward I-96) and the door facing I-96 is the main entrance to the gym.
From the North/East suburbs
Take I-696 West to I-275 south to I-96 east (exit is in the left two lines approximately 1 mile south of 6 mile). Immediately upon entering I-96 merge to the right and exit at Newburgh Rd./Levan Rd. Proceed straight on the I-96 service drive for ½ mile to Levan Rd. Turn left on Levan and follow to the second driveway on the left. That is the gym parking lot. Park at the south end (toward I-96) and the door facing I-96 is the main entrance to the gym.
From the South (Ohio)
Take I-275 north to I-96 east. Stay in the right lane on I-96 and exit at the first ramp, Newburgh Rd./Levan Rd. Proceed straight on the I-96 service drive for ½ mile to Levan Rd. Turn left on Levan and follow to the second driveway on the left. That is the gym parking lot. Park at the south end (toward I-96) and the door facing I-96 is the main entrance to the gym.
From the South West (Kalamazoo, Jackson, Ann Arbor)
Take I-94 east to M-14 east to I-96 east. Immediately upon entering I-96 merge to the right and exit at Newburgh Rd./Levan Rd. Proceed straight on the I-96 service drive for ½ mile to Levan Rd. Turn left on Levan and follow to the second driveway on the left. That is the gym parking lot. Park at the south end (toward I-96) and the door facing I-96 is the main entrance to the gym.
From the West/Northwest (Grand Rapids/Lansing)
Take I-96 east to I-275 south to I-96 east (exit is in the left two lines approximately 1 mile south of 6 mile). Immediately upon entering I-96 merge to the right and exit at Newburgh Rd./Levan Rd. Proceed straight on the I-96 service drive for ½ mile to Levan Rd. Turn left on Levan and follow to the second driveway on the left. That is the gym parking lot. Park at the south end (toward I-96) and the door facing I-96 is the main entrance to the gym.
From the North (Saginaw and points north)
Take I-75 south to US 23 south to I-96 east to I-275 south to I-96 east (exit is in the left two lines approximately 1 mile south of 6 mile). Immediately upon entering I-96 merge to the right and exit at Newburgh Rd./Levan Rd. Proceed straight on the I-96 service drive for ½ mile to Levan Rd. Turn left on Levan and follow to the second driveway on the left. That is the gym parking lot. Park at the south end (toward I-96) and the door facing I-96 is the main entrance to the gym.
