Home of the Red Storm basketball team, Carnesecca Arena, located
on the Queens campus, opened its doors on December 4, 1961. St.
John's won the inaugural game at Carnesecca Arena, defeating George
Washington University, 79-65. St. John's has compiled a record of
374-62 for a wining percentage of .858 entering the 2003-04 season.
The team had a 27-game winning streak, the second longest in
Carnesecca Arena history, ending in 2001. The Red Storm will play
five games in its campus home this year.
Since its opening over 42 years ago, the building has had its
lighting and sound system replaced, and a new scoreboard and floor
have been installed. In addition to being the home court for both
the men and women's basketball teams, Carnesecca Arena also serves
as home for the women's volleyball team-in its tenth season
competing in the BIG EAST Conference.
Carnesecca Arena features two racquetball courts, an auxiliary
gym, a weight and cardiovascular room, and office space for all
coaches and athletic administrators.
With a seating capacity of 6,008, Carnesecca Arena ranks as the
fourth largest indoor arena in the Metropolitan area behind the
Meadowlands, Madison Square Garden, and Nassau Veterans Memorial
Coliseum. In 1961 (the year the facility was completed), the
building rated second only to Madison Square Garden.