Gallagher Center

Gallagher Center
Frank and Barbara Layden Court
Map
Former namesNiagara University Student Center (1949–1982)
Location2009 Niagara University, Lewiston, New York 14109
Coordinates43°08′13″N 79°02′17″W / 43.137035°N 79.038026°W / 43.137035; -79.038026
OwnerNiagara University
OperatorNiagara University
Capacity2,400
SurfaceHardwood
Construction
OpenedNovember 30, 1949
Renovated1998
Construction cost$1.3 million (renovation)
ArchitectTRM Architecture
Tenants
Niagara Purple Eagles

The Gallagher Center is a 2,400-seat multi-purpose arena at Niagara University's campus in Lewiston, New York. The structure was initially built in 1949 and substantially renovated in 1999.[1] It is the home court of the Niagara Purple Eagles men's basketball and women's basketball and volleyball teams.

Originally known as the Niagara University Student Center, it was renamed in honor of John J. "Taps" Gallagher (1905–1982) on May 23, 1982. Coach Gallagher guided the Purple Eagles men's team for 31 seasons (1931–1943, 1946–1965), leading the team to 25 winning seasons, including 11 Little Three championships and seven appearances in the National Invitation Tournament when the NIT was the premiere postseason tournament. At the time of his retirement, he was the 12th winningest coach in college basketball history.[2]

In 2014, the playing surface was named "Layden Court" in honor of former Purple Eagles coach Frank Layden and his wife, Barbara. Layden coached the Purple Eagles from 1968 to 1976, leading the Purple Eagles to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1970. He then went on to a 23-year coaching career in the NBA, most notably with the Utah Jazz.[2]

Gallagher Center also hosts the Niagara Hall of Fame

Student Center

The lower level of Gallagher Center houses the Student Center and Campus Activities Office.

Additional offices located in the Gallagher Center include

  • Campus Ministry
  • NUSGA
  • Student Life
  • Multicultural and International Student Affairs
  • Athletics
  • WNIA Radio

See also

References

  1. ^ "NU website". Archived from the original on 2006-09-17. Retrieved 2007-11-10.
  2. ^ a b Purple Eagles basketball history book
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