John Freeman, Editor
On Sept. 27, La Salle University officially announced their intentions for deconstructing Tom Gola Arena and renovating the space it occupies into the new and improved John Glaser Arena. In a gathering of about 200 people from the Lasallian community, including alumni, faculty, professors, coaches, fans and students, La Salle University alumna Meg Kane ‘03, moderated a panel consisting of university President Dan Allen, Head Basketball Coach Fran Dunphy, Athletic Director Ashwin Puri and Head Women’s Basketball Coach Mountain McGillivray. Kane asked each of the men about their thoughts on what they believe the renovation project means to the university and other specifics about the project as well.
President Allen responded to Kane’s first question by saying that, “It’s been a long time coming. It actually goes back ten years ago when John Glaser made an extraordinary commitment to the university.”
President Allen explained how he had the opportunity to talk to the family of the late John Glaser ‘62, and how Glaser’s family told him of how Glaser kept a notebook of the shooting percentages of teams playing away at Tom Gola Arena, and through research realized that teams shot better when playing against the Explorers due to the absence of fans behind both baselines. President Allen proceeded by saying that part of Glaser’s purpose for donating was to create an environment that made playing away games against the Explorers more challenging.
Glaser ‘62 included a generous donation to renovate the arena in his will. The exact dollar amount of the donation was undisclosed at the gathering. However, it is no secret that Glaser’s donation was a multimillion-dollar gift, according to President Allen.
In addition, the stipulation placed on collecting the donation was that the beneficiaries (La Salle) would have to begin to utilize the funds by Oct. 19, 2023. President Allen went on to say how the likeness of Tom Gola from the Tom Gola Arena will be repurposed with the advent of “Tom Gola Plaza” just outside of the new arena—where fans can fellowship before games.
Athletic Director Ashwin Puri expressed, “It’s just gonna be such a meaningful change to this program, both men’s and women’s programs, all of our student-athletes, all of our current students, staff, faculty and our entire community.”
Puri was the primary articulator for explaining the concept and design of the arena. Puri noted that the renovation will be a 360-degree bowl design—with fans occupying seats on every side of the court and include: a new scoreboard, video board, lighting and a student section next to the visiting team’s bench.
Puri noted that a primary purpose for renovation would be to deliver a Division I athletic experience for La Salle’s students and fans. Premium seating along with a new HVAC system were among the new luxuries Puri mentioned that would be included in the new edifice as well. The entirety of the renovation process is set to be completed by the Fall of 2024, and will take place in three phases:
- Renovation of the current court, stands, and overall arena
- Construction of a Health and Wellness Facility (approximately $11M)
- Transformation of current locker rooms and the addition of sports science amenities
Head Men’s Basketball Coach Fran Dunphy said that the renovation is “needed” and that he thinks that everyone at La Salle is looking forward to congregating in the new arena.
Head Women’s Basketball Coach Mountain McGillivray shared similar sentiments as well.
John Glaser Arena will be able to seat approximately 3,000 people at a time and likely cost upward of $30 million. President Allen, along with Ashwin Puri, thanked all those who have already donated to the renovation project. Puri also encouraged members of La Salle’s community to become financially involved in progressing this project as well. If all goes well, and projections are accurate, then around this time next year, La Salle University will have accomplished three important things.
Firstly, the university will have increased the value of campus. Secondly, the university will have created an ideal environment for fostering La sallian fellowship and student engagement. Lastly, and most importantly, La Salle University will have paid the proper tribute to the late John Glaser, who initiated the commencement of this powerful project with his generous donation. 
The La Salle Collegian 