John Glaser Arena (also known as The Glaser) is a 3,000+ seat multi-purpose arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania situated inside TruMark Financial Center. It is home to the La Salle University Explorers men's and women's basketball teams. It is located at the former site of Tom Gola Arena.
The Glaser | |
 | |
| Address | 1900 West Olney Avenue Philadelphia United States of America |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 40°02′24″N 75°09′24″W / 40.039993°N 75.15654°W |
| Parking | About 200 spaces |
| Operator | La Salle University |
| Surface | Hardwood |
| Construction | |
| Opened | October 26, 2024 |
| Renovated | April, 2024 - October, 2024 |
| Construction cost | $12,000,000+ |
| Tenants | |
| La Salle Explorers men's and women's basketball | |
The arena was named after John E. Glaser who donated the funds to renovate Tom Gola Arena into a new arena. The former arena was named after former Explorers captain and head coach Tom Gola, a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
History
editLa Salle played at Tom Gola Arena from 1998-2024. In September 2023, La Salle revealed a plan to renovate Tom Gola Arena to create a 360-degree, bowl style arena. 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.[1] 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.[2] Demolition of Tom Gola Arena started in March, 2024. Construction of John Glaser Arena started in April, 2024, and lasted until October, 2024.
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.[3] The arena is set to host its first game on November 4th, 2024 with the men's basketball team taking on American.[4]
Features
editThe 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.[5]
Tom Gola Plaza
editTo continue to namesake and legacy of Explorer's legend Tom Gola, a plaza, outside of Trumark Financial Center, in his honor was dedicated 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 doners, as well as a historical marker.[4] [6]
Tom Gola Way
editThe driveway in front of TruMark Financial Center was renamed Tom Gola Way to continue the namesake of Tom Gola.[7]
References
edit- ^ Staff, News (2023-10-11). "John Glaser Arena announcement". The La Salle Collegian. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
{{cite web}}:|first=has generic name (help) - ^ "La Salle University Unveils Basketball Arena Renovation Project". La Salle University Athletics. 2024-10-14. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
- ^ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 2024-10-25.
- ^ a b 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.
- ^ "John Glaser Arena, LaSalle University". SPS Technology. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
- ^ Lynch • •, Cherise (2024-09-26). "La Salle University unveils new plaza dedicated to basketball legend Tom Gola". NBC10 Philadelphia. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
- ^ 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.