Click this link to see actual photos from the construction.
http://redstormsports.cstv.com/genrel/062408aac.htmlQUEENS, N.Y. - Before the reconstruction of St. John's historic Carnesecca Arena, first must come the "de-construction." Renovation crews have been laboring since the close of the University's spring semester to bring St. John's and its fans a modernized facility. To date, extensive work has been done to the exterior drainage system, and the building's interior lobby and lower bowl have been decimated to make room for the certain progress to come.
Fans can check RedStormSports.com, St. John's Official Athletics Website, every two weeks for the latest construction photos and renovation updates.
Home to the St. John's Athletics Program since 1961, the arena is in the middle of a $5 million interior renovation as part of a multi-phase upgrade to the facility, announced in April. A new playing surface, an overhauled seating bowl with 800 chairback seats, and enhanced ticketing and lobby areas are among the series of changes Red Storm fans will see prior to the start of the 2008-09 season.
This summer's Phase II renovations focus on Carnesecca Arena's interior and seating bowl. Upon completion, St. John's fans will enjoy a completely renovated interior, with brilliant sight-lines from each of the arena's 6,000-plus seats. Red Storm supporters will enjoy viewing athletic events in a climate-controlled atmosphere, making for a superior game experience. With the addition of 800 chair-back seats to the lower seating bowl, fans have the opportunity to get close to the action with an enhanced level of comfort - the intimacy of Carnesecca Arena will remain intact, while the overall fan experience is improved. St. John's most generous benefactors will be able enjoy the excitement of courtside seating - donors can catch the thrill of Red Storm basketball up-close, as the athletes enjoy a newly-refurbished hardwood playing surface.
In addition, Phase II calls for a renovation of the Carnesecca Arena lobby, with the ticketing area moved to the East end of the building. Ticket windows will cater to Red Storm fans on the exterior of the arena, alleviating lobby congestion.
Future renovations for the historic venue include a refurbishing of the locker room areas and administrative offices, a renovated space for a museum area, where legendary individuals, teams and moments from throughout St. John's history would forever be enshrined, and a reconditioning of the arena's exterior façade, matching Carnesecca to its adjoining counterpart, the state-of-the-art Taffner Field House basketball training facility.
Headed by former St. John's All-American and longtime NBA star Mel Davis, the Carnesecca Initiative is the University's major fundraising venture to support the expansive renovations. Early leadership gift commitments have helped to move the first phases of the renovations forward and additional gifts will be needed to complete the full vision. For information about upcoming Carnesecca Initiative events, naming opportunities in the new Carnesecca Arena, or to make a donation, please contact Davis at 718-990-2374 or by e-mail at davism1@stjohns.edu.