Canale Arena

Canale Arena
Map
Former namesDe La Salle Gymnasium
Location650 East Parkway South
Memphis, Tennessee 38104
Coordinates35°07′36″N 89°58′59″W / 35.12674°N 89.983°W / 35.12674; -89.983
Public transitBus interchange MATA
OwnerChristian Brothers University
Capacity1,000
Construction
Opened1950
RenovatedDecember 10, 2004
ArchitectAskew Nixon Ferguson Architects[1]
Tenants
Christian Brothers University Buccaneers

Canale Arena (formerly De La Salle Gymnasium) is the on-campus athletic facility for Christian Brothers University in Memphis, Tennessee.

Buccaneers

Main article: Christian Brothers University Buccaneers

Canale Arena is home to the Buccaneer and Lady Buccaneer basketball and volleyball teams.

The Buccaneer basketball team was the Gulf South Conference champion in 2008.[2]

History

Origin

The original structure was completed in 1950.[3] At that time, it was the largest indoor arena in the city of Memphis.[4]

Renovation

The arena was fully renovated in 2004. Among renovations were the addition of new stadium seating, bleachers, a hospitality suite, a Hall of Fame conference room, restrooms, a lobby, and Canale Cafe. The arena has a stated capacity of 1,000.[4]

Namesake

The athletic facility was originally named De La Salle Gymnasium in honor of St. John Baptist de la Salle, the founder of the Christian Brothers.[4] The Lasallian Christian Brothers, a Roman Catholic religious institute, founded Christian Brothers University in 1871.[3]

When the facility was reopened and blessed on December 10, 2004, it was renamed in honor of John D. Canale Jr. Memphis businessman John D. Canale Jr. served on the university's board of trustees from 1970 to 1983 and received the university's prestigious Maurelian Medal in 1994 for his support of and service to the university. Canale's history of contribution to the university includes raising funds in 1949 to build De La Salle Gymnasium. Additionally, Canale donated the funding to build the John Canale Pool on campus in 1986. The pool was named in honor of Canale's father, John D. Canale Sr., a lifelong supporter of the Christian Brothers and valedictorian of the Christian Brothers College class of 1891.[4]

References

  1. ^ "Christian Brothers University, Master Plan". Askew Nixon Ferguson Architects. Retrieved 2008-05-31.[permanent dead link‍]
  2. ^ Opperman, Eric (March 9, 2008). "Bucs Hold On For First GSC Championship, 93-89". Christian Brothers University Athletics. Retrieved 2008-10-12.
  3. ^ a b "CBU Chronology". Christian Brothers University. Archived from the original on 2008-06-16. Retrieved 2008-05-30.
  4. ^ a b c d Kerr, John (December 1, 2004). "Canale Family Foundation Provides Lead Gift: CBU to Dedicate Renovated Arena on December 10". Christian Brothers University. Retrieved 2008-05-29.