St. John's University to Break Ground on New Basketball Practice Facility

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Brian Browne, Associate Vice President of University Communications and Public Affairs 
St. John’s University
718-990-2762 or 917-561-7068 (cell)
[email protected]

(QUEENS, NY, October 15, 2025) — St. John's University is proud to announce the official groundbreaking ceremony for its new basketball practice facility, scheduled for Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 11:30 am on the Queens, NY campus. This milestone marks a significant step forward in the University's commitment to athletic excellence and the further development of campus recreation space. This project is a part of a larger initiative that will enable the University to renovate and modernize Taffner Field House, transforming it into a vibrant recreational and wellness space for all students.

The new basketball practice facility, located adjacent to Gate 4 (175th Street and Union Turnpike), will serve as a dedicated training space for the Red Storm men's and women's basketball programs. It will feature innovative amenities, including multiple practice courts, strength and conditioning areas, hydro-therapy pools, video review rooms, and team lounges. Designed to foster performance, wellness, and team cohesion, the facility will be a cornerstone of St. John's athletic infrastructure.

"This is more than just a building—it's a symbol of our investment in the future of St. John's," said Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., President. "We are excited to provide our student-athletes with a space that reflects their hard work, ambition, and the proud tradition of St. John's basketball."

The new basketball practice facility is expected to be ready by Spring 2027, while the campus recreation center is scheduled to open in Fall 2028.

"This groundbreaking is step one of a two-fold plan, including a renovation of Taffner Field House to create a best-in-class campus recreation center for the wider University community," stated Joseph E. Oliva '91CBA, '94L, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

The 11:30 am ceremony will include remarks from University leadership and special guests. Members of the St. John's community, alumni, and fans are invited to attend and celebrate this historic moment.

Construction of the approximately 50,000-square-foot facility will be led by Axis Construction Corporation, an award-winning leader and innovator in construction, design, and management services. St. John's contracted Gensler, a global architecture, design, and planning firm, for the design phase of the new basketball practice facility and the campus recreation center.

Fundraising for the new building continues and was launched by a historic gift from the Chair of the Board of Trustees William J. Janetschek '84CBA, '17HON, retired Partner and Chief Financial Officer, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. Already a generous and longtime University benefactor, Mr. Janetschek gifted a $32.5 million donation—the largest single financial commitment in St. John's 155-year history. Mr. Janetschek's support directs approximately $25 million toward the construction of the basketball practice facility and $7.5 million toward student scholarships.

Media must RSVP for the October 18 groundbreaking ceremony. For more information, contact:
Brian Browne
Associate Vice President of University Communications & Public Affairs
St. John's University
8000 Utopia Parkway
Queens, NY 11439
Tel 718-990-2762
Cell 917-561-7068
[email protected]