Saint Joseph's Announces Plan for Expansion of Alumni Memorial Fieldhouse :: Comprehensive project will enhance varsity and recreational activities at SJU.

Oct. 10, 2006

PHILADELPHIA - An expansion of Alumni Memorial Fieldhouse and a dedicated center for men's and women's basketball highlight a comprehensive plan for enhancing varsity and recreational athletics at Saint Joseph's University. John W. Smithson '68, chairman of the Board of Trustees, made the announcement this afternoon at a press conference also attended by SJU head coaches Phil Martelli and Cindy Griffin '91 as well as Hall of Fame inductee Dr. Jack Ramsay '49.

The total project will proceed in three phases over the next several years:

• PHASE ONE: Construction of a 17,700-square foot center adjacent to the existing Fieldhouse that will house state-of-the-art facilities for men's and women's basketball. The center is to include new locker rooms, coaches' offices, meeting areas, and dedicated academic and study space. Also planned are video and multi-media technology along with an expanded media relations capacity.

• PHASE TWO: The relocation of at least five varsity sports and the student recreation/intramural program by 2009 to SJU's Maguire Campus (Episcopal Academy), followed by renovations to the existing Rec Center to house new athletic offices along with locker rooms and meeting space for the remaining varsity sports. A permanent practice area for men's and women's basketball will also be added to the Rec Center during Phase Two.

• PHASE THREE: Expansion of the Fieldhouse to include a full-service concourse around the perimeter of the arena and an increase in capacity by at least 1,000 seats. It is expected that men's and women's basketball will need to play one full season off campus during the heaviest construction period, but both squads will retain access to the basketball center and new practice area.

Current arena plans call for significant Fieldhouse upgrades, including increased student seating, modern amenities, and concession/merchandise areas. Meeting and group entertainment space will also be provided while preserving an intimate spectator experience and the significant home court advantage that has long been a hallmark of men's and women's basketball on Hawk Hill. Events in the new facility could begin as early as 2010.

"So much of this is made possible by the flexibility we acquire along with the Maguire Campus," stated SJU President Timothy R. Lannon, S.J. "All of our varsity programs, along with club, recreation, and intramural programs, will have the kind of facilities that reflect their status as integral to the campus life experience."

The Board considered the construction of a completely new facility, but a variety of factors made renovation and expansion more attractive options. University officials also noted that the unique character of Alumni Memorial Fieldhouse was worth retaining, and that the opportunity to provide significant upgrades for all varsity and recreation sports is too important to bypass.

"All Saint Joseph's students will benefit from these upgrades," added Don DiJulia, associate vice president/director of athletics. "And all Hawk fans will enjoy a dramatic and positive change in their spectator experience."

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