Welcome to the Payne Whitney Gymnasium at Yale University.
The main lobby is located just inside the glass portals. To the immediate left when you walk into the gymnasium is the membership office. The staff of the membership office is responsible for enrolling new members, renewing old memberships, towel and locker rentals and assignments, as well as general membership information.
Just past the membership office to the left, is one of the two trophy rooms located in the gymnasium (the Kiphuth Trophy Room is located on the second floor) . The trophy room features "Handsome Dan", the origional mascot symbolizing Yale Athletics, guarding the many trophies and awards won by the swimming, diving and fencing teams over the years. If you continue to walk past the trophy room you approach the entrance to the Kiputh Exhibition Pool.
The main gymnasium lobby with its cathedral like ceiling was also designed to hold the attention of the gymnasium visitor. Notice the pilasters (look up!!) that surround the center lobby. At the apex there are eight stone carvings depicting various sports (i.e., football,gymnastics, baseball, weightlifting). There is also a tribute to the mind and body theme that the gymnasium expouses, carved in old English, surrounding the upper area just below the stain glass windows.
To the right of the entranceway is the Bulldog Outlet.The outlet sells "game worn" uniform jerseys, shorts, warm ups, and mini-football helmets.
Just past the Bulldog Outlet is the entrance to the John Lee Amphitheater.
Walk past the control desk (make sure you present your ID to the attendant) in the rear of the lobby, past the elevators to your right, and you may enter the balcony to one of the three varsity practice crew tanks. The balcony of the lightweight tank, also houses the Martin Dwyer Varsity Athletics Rehabilitation Center and the entrance to the Col William K. Lanman Jr Center.