Carnesecca Arena, located on the campus of St. John’s University in Jamaica, NY, stands as a testament to the rich athletic tradition and vibrant community spirit of this renowned institution. Serving as the on-campus home for the St. John’s Red Storm men’s and women’s basketball, fencing, and volleyball teams, this arena has been a pivotal landmark in collegiate sports for decades. Originally known as Alumni Hall, the venue opened its doors in December 1961, quickly establishing itself as a formidable home-court advantage for the Red Storm.
In its illustrious history, St. John’s men’s basketball boasts an impressive 443-83 record within Carnesecca Arena, marking an astounding .842 winning percentage across 525 games. The inaugural game in this arena witnessed a memorable 79-65 victory for the home team against Georgetown University, setting the stage for countless thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments. This arena isn’t just a building; it’s a cauldron of collegiate sports energy right in the heart of Jamaica, Queens.
The significance of Carnesecca Arena extends beyond just wins and losses. In the fall of 2004, St. John’s University honored Lou Carnesecca, a Hall of Fame coach and cherished mentor, by renaming the court and the entire facility in his honor. This dedication ceremony not only celebrated Carnesecca’s immense contributions but also signaled the university’s commitment to upgrading and modernizing this vital athletic hub.
Starting in 2005, Carnesecca Arena underwent a comprehensive renovation project exceeding $30 million over three years. These extensive upgrades dramatically transformed the arena, enhancing both the fan experience and the facilities for student-athletes. The expanded lobby now serves as a vibrant museum, showcasing the storied history of St. John’s athletics with prominent displays of championship trophies and memorabilia, celebrating both past and present achievements. To improve accessibility and crowd management, new ticket windows were strategically positioned outside the main entrance, streamlining entry for fans on game days.
Beyond aesthetics, the renovations prioritized the needs of St. John’s athletes. The arena now houses the cutting-edge Student-Athlete Center for Excellence, providing resources and support for academic and athletic development. A state-of-the-art weight room and cardiovascular training area were added, along with modernized locker rooms for teams and dedicated office and meeting spaces for coaches and administrative staff. Technological enhancements include a new center-hung scoreboard, ensuring an engaging game-day atmosphere.
The fully remodeled Carnesecca Arena officially reopened in 2008 and proudly stands as the fourth-largest indoor arena in the New York Metropolitan area, boasting a seating capacity of 5,602. For anyone seeking directions to this iconic venue at St. John’s Jamaica NY, resources like directions and seating charts are readily available online, ensuring easy access for all events. Carnesecca Arena remains a cornerstone of St. John’s University and a premier destination for collegiate sports enthusiasts in the region.
