CHICAGO — New practice facilities have been built for the St. John’s University men’s and women’s basketball teams.
In a letter to students, the university’s president, the Rev. Brian J. Shanley, unveiled plans that include a new recreation center and a dedicated basketball facility. A source confirmed the news to The Post.
After a feasibility study conducted by the athletic department over the past several years, the board approved plans for basketball, which currently uses Toughner Field House.
This building is also used for intramural sports.
The original plan was to connect the basketball-only building to Tuffner Field House, but the school thought this was a better approach.
The school is currently in the design stage with a goal of breaking ground next spring.
The basketball building will be a new building on campus adjacent to Gate 4, and the recreation center will be located in the renovated Tuffner Field House.
It is expected that everything will be completed by spring 2027.
Coach Rick Pitino has criticized St. John’s facilities, and Shanley has said several times that the school needs renovations.
It’s unclear how much it will cost to build the new facility.
There are also plans to improve the fan experience at Carnesecca Arena for next year, but details are still being worked out.
A formal announcement regarding the new basketball building and recreation center is expected this week.
