PHILADELPHIA – In front of over 200 students, faculty, Christian Brothers, donors, alumni, and friends, La Salle University opened the first portion of its rebuilt basketball arena, John Glaser Arena on Wednesday afternoon. The area to the west of Trumark Financial Center, in which the arena is housed, has been dramatically renovated and will take the name Tom Gola Plaza, paying homage to the Philadelphia basketball Icon.

In addition to the plaza, the University announced the new address of the arena driveway, Tom Gola Way. The announcement was accompanied by the dedication of a historical marker that was erected on the sidewalk connecting the driveway to the plaza, as well as a street sign that is on Olney Avenue outside the Arena.

The event kicked off with a prayer from longtime Christian Brother Gerry Molyneaux ('58) who attended La Salle alongside Gola in the 50s. University President Daniel J. Allen, Ph.D., was the first featured speaker at the opening ceremony.

"We're celebrating today, a giant in the annals of the history of this University and in the history of collegiate and professional basketball," Allen said.

Allen was joined by many members of the La Salle community including Vice President of Athletics and Recreation Ash Puri, head men's basketball coach Fran Dunphy ('69), the widow of the esteemed Gola, Caroline Gola, and Cindy Bass, Philadelphia City Councilwoman in the 8th District who was instrumental in getting the street renamed.

"(Tom Gola) earned respect from others because he gave respect to all." said Dunphy as he paid tribute to his former head coach.

Gola, who passed away in 2014 at the age of 81, earned his place in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1976 and the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006 for his storied career at La Salle and the NBA. He led the Explorers to a 1954 NCAA championship and maintains the record for most rebounds in collegiate basketball with 2,201. He continued his career in the NBA and played for the Philadelphia Warriors where he helped lead the NBA franchise to a 1956 Championship in his home city.

After his playing career in the NBA, Gola returned to his alma mater in a different role, head coach. In the 1968 season, Gola led the Blue & Gold to a 23-1 record and would end his coaching career at La Salle with an overall record of 37-13.

"The future is bright here at the crossroads of W. Olney Avenue and Tom Gola Way," said Puri. "We will continue to celebrate our past, while paving the way for the next generations of La Salle legends."

Puri has been the leader of not only the creation of Tom Gola Plaza but also the newly renovated John E. Glaser Arena. The arena features a new 360-degree seating bowl. This is designed to create an intimate and intimidating atmosphere for opponents as they come to face the Explorers. The arena features a new center-hung video board, updated lighting and audio, as well as a state-of-the-art HVAC system.

As Puri pointed out in his remarks, the renovations to Trumark have been entirely privately funded, allowing the improvements to come with zero debt, University funds, or additional student fees.

Tom Gola Plaza is at the "front porch" of TruMark Financial Center and will be seen by all who enter en route to the new John Glaser Arena.