John Glaser Arena

Last updated
John Glaser Arena
The Glaser
John Glaser Arena in 2024.jpg
John Glaser Arena in 2024
John Glaser Arena
Former namesTom Gola Arena (1998–2024)
Address15 Tom Gola Way
Philadelphia, PA 19141
Coordinates 40°02′24″N75°09′24″W / 40.039993°N 75.15654°W / 40.039993; -75.15654
Public transitAiga bus trans.svg SEPTA.svg SEPTA bus: 18, 26
OwnerLa Salle University
OperatorLa Salle University
Capacity 3,000
Construction
Broke groundMay 17, 1997
OpenedFebruary 21, 1998 (as Tom Gola Arena) [1]
October 26, 2024 (as John Glaser Arena)
Renovated2024
ClosedMarch 3, 2024
Construction cost $6.3 million
($11.8 million in 2023 dollars [2] )
Tenants
La Salle Explorers (NCAA) (1998–present)

John Glaser Arena is a 3,000-seat multi-purpose venue in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The arena is situated inside TruMark Financial Center on the campus of La Salle University. It is home to the La Salle Explorers men's and women's basketball teams.

Contents

Opened in 1998, the arena was originally known as Tom Gola Arena. After undergoing renovations in 2024, the arena reopened as John Glaser Arena, named after John E. Glaser, a key donor for the renovation project. The arena was originally named after former Explorers captain and head coach Tom Gola, a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

History

Tom Gola Arena

Tom Gola Arena was opened on February 21, 1998, with the men's basketball team defeating Virginia Tech 74–64. [1] La Salle had not played basketball on campus since leaving Wister Hall in 1955, the season after winning the 1954 NCAA Championship. The Explorers played at the Palestra from 1955 to 1989, the Philadelphia Civic Center from 1989 to 1996, and the First Union Spectrum from 1996 until the arena opened in 1998. The arena hosted its final game on March 2nd, 2024, with the men’s basketball team defeating George Washington 72–66.

In Philadelphia's 2016 Summer Olympics bid, the arena was planned to host fencing. [3]

In 2021, Adam Sandler used the Tom Gola Arena to film the Netflix movie Hustle . [4] The arena was also equipped with two working smoke machines. [5]

John Glaser Arena

In September 2023, La Salle revealed a plan to renovate Tom Gola Arena to create a 360-degree, bowl-style arena. The arena would be renamed to John Glaser Arena after John E. Glaser, a member of the school's class of 1962, provided a donation for the project. The renovation plans highlighted the need for an updated facility to meet the standards of a college basketball facility as well as a way to improve team performance. [6] One key aspect was the fact that Tom Gola Arena did not have seats behind the baskets, and research conducted by John E. Glaser showed that opposing teams shot better against La Salle due to an absence of fans as a result of the seating configuration. [7] In the new arena, the court was rotated 90 degrees to allow for a setup that included fans behind the baskets. Tom Gola Arena officially closed for renovations on March 3, 2024.

Tom Gola Arena in 2007 pre-renovation Penn La Salle Basketball.JPG
Tom Gola Arena in 2007 pre-renovation

John Glaser Arena opened on October 24, 2024, with Hoops Fest, a celebration to kick off the basketball season. Hoops Fest featured a live performance by American rapper DD Osama. [8] John Glaser Arena hosted its first game on November 4, 2024 with the men's basketball team defeating the American Eagles 65–52. [9]

Features

The arena features 1,700 permanent seats, VIP seats, and retractable seating close to the floor. Four entrance tunnels are located in each corner of the court. A brand-new lighting, sound, and scoreboard system was implemented as well as a new men's locker room. Renovations were made to the concession area, bathrooms, and media room. [10] The Olney Outlaws student section is located in sections 113 and 114. A concession area is located under section 112.

Tom Gola Plaza

Tom Gola Plaza Tom Gola Plaza.jpg
Tom Gola Plaza

To continue to namesake and legacy of Explorer's legend Tom Gola, a plaza outside of TruMark Financial Center was dedicated in his honor on September 26, 2024. The plaza features an existing statue of Tom Gola as well as new lights and benches, a newly constructed brick surface featuring the names of donors, as well as a historical marker. [9] [11]

Pennsylvania state historical marker commemorating Tom Gola and his achievements Tom Gola Historical Marker.jpg
Pennsylvania state historical marker commemorating Tom Gola and his achievements

Tom Gola Way

The driveway in front of TruMark Financial Center was also renamed to Tom Gola Way. [12]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tom Gola</span> American basketball player and politician (1933–2014)

Thomas Joseph Gola was an American basketball player and politician. He is widely considered one of the greatest NCAA basketball players of all time. Gola was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1976. He led his high school team to the Philadelphia Catholic League championship, his college team to the National Invitation Tournament championship and the NCAA championship, and was on the Philadelphia Warriors 1956 championship team, all in the space of six years.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">La Salle University</span> Catholic university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US

La Salle University is a private, Catholic university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The university was founded in 1863 by the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools and named for St. Jean-Baptiste de La Salle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">La Salle Explorers</span> Intercollegiate sports teams of La Salle University

The La Salle Explorers are the varsity sports teams from La Salle University in Philadelphia. The Explorers compete in NCAA Division I as members of the Atlantic 10 Conference. The men's and women's basketball teams also participate in the Philadelphia Big 5. On June 3, 2019, Brian Baptiste was named director of athletics and recreation effective August 1, 2019. Baptiste is deputy AD for capital projects and operations at Northwestern University.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">La Salle Explorers men's basketball</span> Mens college basketball program

The La Salle Explorers men's basketball program represents La Salle University in college basketball.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">TruMark Financial Center</span> Indoor athletic arena on La Salle Universitys campus

The TruMark Financial Center, known as the Hayman Center until 2017, is the indoor athletic arena on La Salle University's campus. It is located directly across a walkway from the St. Francis and St. Edwards residence complex. The building was opened in February 1998 from a very large donation from Harry Blake Hayman I. The building was dedicated in the name of his parents; a plaque was placed on the front, inside beside the main doors.

The 1953–54 La Salle Explorers men's basketball team represented La Salle University in the 1953–54 NCAA men's basketball season. The team's head coach was Ken Loeffler. La Salle won the 1954 NCAA basketball tournament.

The 2011–12 La Salle Explorers basketball team represented La Salle University during the 2011–12 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Explorers, led by eighth year head coach John Giannini, played their home games at Tom Gola Arena and are members of the Atlantic 10 Conference. They finished the season 21–13, 9–7 in A-10 to finish in a four-way tie for fifth place. They lost in the quarterfinals of the A-10 Basketball tournament to Saint Louis. They were invited to the 2012 National Invitation Tournament where they lost in the first round to Minnesota.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2012–13 La Salle Explorers men's basketball team</span> American college basketball season

The 2012–13 La Salle Explorers basketball team represented La Salle University during the 2012–13 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Explorers, led by ninth year head coach John Giannini, played their home games at Tom Gola Arena and were members of the Atlantic 10 Conference. They finished the season 24–10, 11–5 in A-10 play to finish in a three way tie for third place. They lost in the quarterfinals of the Atlantic 10 tournament to Butler. They received an at-large bid to the 2013 NCAA tournament, their first NCAA bid in 21 years. They defeated Boise State in the First Four, Kansas State in the Round of 64, and Ole Miss in the Round of 32 to advance to the Sweet Sixteen where they lost to Wichita State.

The 2013–14 La Salle Explorers basketball team represented La Salle University during the 2013–14 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Explorers, led by tenth year head coach John Giannini, played their home games at Tom Gola Arena and were members of the Atlantic 10 Conference. They finished the season 15–16, 7–9 in A-10 play to finish in eighth place. They lost in the second round of the A-10 tournament to St. Bonaventure.

The 2014–15 La Salle Explorers basketball team represented La Salle University during the 2014–15 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Explorers, led by eleventh year head coach John Giannini, played their home games at Tom Gola Arena and were members of the Atlantic 10 Conference. They finished the season 17–16, 8–10 in A-10 play to finish in ninth place. They advanced to the quarterfinals of the A-10 tournament where they lost to Davidson.

The 2015–16 La Salle Explorers basketball team represented La Salle University during the 2015–16 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Explorers, led by 12th year head coach John Giannini, played their home games at Tom Gola Arena and were members of the Atlantic 10 Conference. They finished the season 9–22, 4–14 in A-10 play to finish in last place. They defeated Duquesne in the first round of the A-10 tournament to advance to the second round where they lost to Davidson.

The 2016–17 La Salle Explorers basketball team represented La Salle University during the 2016–17 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Explorers, led by 13th-year head coach John Giannini, played their home games at Tom Gola Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as members of the Atlantic 10 Conference. They finished the season 15–15, 9–9 in A-10 play to finish in a tie for seventh place. As the No. 8 seed in the A-10 tournament, they lost to Davidson in the first round.

The 2017–18 La Salle Explorers basketball team represented La Salle University during the 2017–18 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Explorers, led by 14th-year head coach John Giannini, played their home games at Tom Gola Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as members of the Atlantic 10 Conference. They finished the season 13–19, 7–11 in A-10 play to finish in a three-way tie for 10th place. As the No. 12 seed in the A-10 tournament, they lost in the first round to Massachusetts.

The 2018–19 La Salle Explorers basketball team represented La Salle University during the 2018–19 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Explorers, led by first-year head coach Ashley Howard, played their home games at Tom Gola Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as members of the Atlantic 10 Conference. They finished the season 10–21, 8–10 in A-10 play to finish in ninth place. They lost in the second round of the A-10 tournament to Rhode Island.

The 2019–20 La Salle Explorers basketball team represented La Salle University during the 2019–20 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Explorers, led by second-year head coach Ashley Howard, played their home games at Tom Gola Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as members of the Atlantic 10 (A-10) Conference.

The 2020–21 La Salle Explorers basketball team represented La Salle University during the 2020–21 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Explorers, led by third-year head coach Ashley Howard, played their home games at Tom Gola Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as members of the Atlantic 10 Conference. They finished the season 9–16, 6–11 in A-10 Play to finish in 12th place. They lost in the first round of the A-10 tournament to Saint Joseph's.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2021–22 La Salle Explorers men's basketball team</span> American college basketball season

The 2021–22 La Salle Explorers men's basketball team represented La Salle University during the 2021–22 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Explorers, led by fourth-year head coach Ashley Howard, played their home games at Tom Gola Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as members of the Atlantic 10 Conference. They finished the season 11–19, 5–13 in A-10 play to finish in a tie for 12th place. As the No. 12 seed in the A-10 tournament, they defeated Saint Joseph's in the first round before losing to Saint Louis in the second round.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2022–23 La Salle Explorers men's basketball team</span> American college basketball season

The 2022–23 La Salle Explorers men's basketball team represented La Salle University during the 2022–23 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Explorers, led by first-year head coach Fran Dunphy, played their home games at Tom Gola Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as members of the Atlantic 10 Conference.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2023–24 La Salle Explorers men's basketball team</span> American college basketball season

The 2023–24 La Salle Explorers men's basketball team represented La Salle University in the 2023–24 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Explorers, led by second-year head coach Fran Dunphy, played their home games at Tom Gola Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as members of the Atlantic 10 Conference. This season was the final season the Explorers played at Tom Gola Arena.

References

  1. 1 2 "La Salle Men's Basketball 2018-19 Media Guide" (PDF). La Salle University Athletics. November 18, 2018. p. 64. Retrieved September 21, 2020.
  2. ↑ 1634–1699: McCusker, J. J. (1997). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1700–1799: McCusker, J. J. (1992). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1800–present: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–" . Retrieved February 29, 2024.
  3. ↑ "2016 Olympic venues". Archived from the original on 2006-06-16.
  4. ↑ "Adam Sandler Films Movie Scene At La Salle University - CBS Philadelphia". www.cbsnews.com. 2021-09-10. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
  5. ↑ McQuade, Dan (December 8, 2021). "Behold The Glory Of The La Salle University Smoke Machine". Defector Media.
  6. ↑ Staff, News (2023-10-11). "John Glaser Arena announcement". The La Salle Collegian. Retrieved 2024-10-24.{{cite web}}: |first= has generic name (help)
  7. ↑ "La Salle University Unveils Basketball Arena Renovation Project". La Salle University Athletics. 2024-10-14. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
  8. ↑ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 2024-10-25.
  9. 1 2 MacAulay, Jessica; Staff, CBS News Philadelphia (2024-10-22). "CBS News Philadelphia gets a sneak peek at La Salle University's newly renovated John Glaser Arena - CBS Philadelphia". www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
  10. ↑ "John Glaser Arena, LaSalle University". SPS Technology. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
  11. ↑ Lynch • •, Cherise (2024-09-26). "La Salle University unveils new plaza dedicated to basketball legend Tom Gola". NBC10 Philadelphia. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
  12. ↑ MacAulay, Jessica; Staff, CBS News Philadelphia (2024-10-22). "CBS News Philadelphia gets a sneak peek at La Salle University's newly renovated John Glaser Arena - CBS Philadelphia". www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
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