SJU Fieldhouse Expansion and Renovation Groundbreaking Scheduled for October 6
Campaign News 5 OCTOBER 2007
The official groundbreaking celebrating the expansion of Saint Joseph's University's Fieldhouse, and a dedicated center for men's and women's basketball, will take place in front of the complex, October 6, at 2 p.m.
The groundbreaking will be preceded by an invitation-only luncheon, beginning at 11:30 a.m.
As the home of the Hawks, the Fieldhouse is the well-loved shrine and the very heart of Saint Joseph's athletics. The expansion and renovation is an integral part of With Faith and Strength to Dare: The Campaign for Saint Joseph's University , and will preserve the storied facility while bringing the athletic complex to a level befitting such a venerable tradition.
The Fieldhouse, home to Saint Joseph's University basketball since 1949, will be named for Michael J. Hagan '85 at the conclusion of the multi-year project set to begin this fall.
Hagan, chairman and chief executive officer of Horsham-based NutriSystem, Inc., and his wife Joyce are contributing $10 million as the lead benefactors for the most comprehensive enhancement of athletic facilities in Saint Joseph's history.
“Mike Hagan is a success story and a singular example of the Jesuit tradition of giving back. His involvement as an alumnus, University Trustee, and now major benefactor is one of humility and selfless action,” stated Saint Joseph's President Timothy R. Lannon, S.J. “This gift allows Saint Joseph's to preserve an important part of its history while at the same time modernizing a facility of which all Hawks can be proud.”
“I love Saint Joseph's University, first and foremost,” Hagan says. “I think the profile of the school is on a massive up tick, and when this facility opens, it will attract some of the best recruits out there. There's no argument that we have great coaches. Once we provide them with a better platform, I believe you're going to see Hawk teams consistently competing with the best in the nation.”
Because of the Maguire Campus (former Episcopal Academy) acquisition, the vast needs of the University's intramural program and several varsity sports will finally be addressed, creating an opportunity to dramatically improve the infrastructure for men's and women's basketball.
“So much of this is being made possible by the flexibility we acquire along with the Maguire Campus,” Fr. 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 three-phased project will begin with the construction of a two-story, 20,000-square-foot new wing adjacent to the existing Fieldhouse. It will add locker rooms, offices, and study rooms for men's and women's basketball, and a new Athletic Hall of Fame room.
Phase II will upgrade and renovate the current sports complex by adding a dedicated practice facility with permanent wood flooring as well as locker rooms and offices for soccer, lacrosse, track, and cross country. Phase III will include a complete overhaul of the interior of the fieldhouse, followed by the construction of an upper-level concourse, expanded seating (a minimum of 1,000 seats will be added), and more. Home court advantage will be secured, and the Saint Joseph's athletic tradition will live on for years to come.
Events in the new facility could begin as early as 2010.
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 note that the unique character of the Fieldhouse is 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 and director of athletics. "And all Hawk fans will enjoy a dramatic and positive change in their spectator experience."