Why is Vanderbilt women's basketball's benches on the baseline? Explaining Memorial Gym's layout

Vanderbilt's Memorial Gym has the most unique setup in major college basketball. Each team's benches are on the baseline, next to the basket. The basketball floor is also elevated, giving an auditorium platform feel to playing in the arena.

Despite the layout, coaches are still often walking the sideline similar to normal layouts elsewhere. Opposing coaches have cited the bench layout as an extra element to prepare for as players adjust to communicating to the bench in a different spot. So why are the Memorial Gym benches on the baseline?

THE STAR: What to know about Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt women's basketball SEC Player of the Year Why Vanderbilt's benches at Memorial Gym are on the baseline Memorial Gym was originally constructed in 1952. The building was dedicated "as a memorial to all Vanderbilt men and women who served in World War II," according to the university. The building was originally constructed with the elevated floor, and the dynamic has withstood a couple renovations to the arena.

At present, the wider floor includes seating with students on one side and regular seating on the other, with fans sitting waist-level with the floor. Memorial Gym's capacity has more than doubled since the construction of the building, up to 14,316. When did Memorial Gym's benches move to the baseline?