From the Archives: Lansing's Don Johnson Fieldhouse a basketball mecca and more

Lansing's Don Johnson Fieldhouse has been an iconic venue where the drama of high school basketball — amazing victories and crushing heartbreak — has played out for more than 45 years.

The fieldhouse was originally built in 1925 as part of the Boys Training School, a reform school for troubled youth with criminal histories. The students of the school used the facility, but it also hosted circuses, bowling alleys and was the center of activity.

The reform school closed in 1972 and every building except the fieldhouse was demolished. After that, the fieldhouse was used as a warehouse for state office equipment and other items.

Eastern High School legendary wrestling coach and principal Don Johnson fought for the Lansing School District to purchase the fieldhouse to be used as a gymnasium. It cost $3 million to buy and renovate, which was a deal considering a new facility would cost $13 million.

In 1976, the fieldhouse was completed and Eastern's home games, as well as any other game of large magnitude, was played there. Basketball players on their way to the NBA — including Magic Johnson (Lansing Everett), Glen Rice (Flint Northwestern), Mateen Cleaves (Flint Northern) and Dan Majerle (Traverse City) — played at the Don.

In 1984, the fieldhouse was dedicated and renamed the Don Johnson Fieldhouse.

It's been used for more than basketball over the years such as graduation ceremonies, wrestling competitions, youth basketball camps, fundraisers and other events.

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Don Johnson Fieldhouse at Lansing Eastern High School photos