“The sight of the long-awaited gym is enough to instill in every Fordhamite a full-grown superiority complex.”
So wrote the editors of the Maroon in 1925, a few months after Fordham opened the Rose Hill Gym with a 46-16 basketball victory over Boston College. Standing room only crowds of more than 6,000 packed the facility that winter, as the team posted an 18-1 record, the best in Fordham history at that time.
Nearly 85 years later, the gymnasium is still drawing praise. It was listed in USA Today last year alongside legendary arenas such as Cameron Indoor Stadium and Allen Fieldhouse as one of the top 10 facilities to watch college basketball.
“The Rose Hill Gym seats just 3,470, but has a wonderful ambience,” wrote basketball aficionado John Feinstein. “If you’re a college hoops fan, it’s definitely worth the trip.”
Now the oldest facility to host a Division I basketball program, it is rightfully regarded as one of the most historic arenas in America.
Consider these numbers:
• The men’s basketball program is 576-309 all time at home.
• A crowd of more than 4,450 set a modern-era attendance record on March 19, 1991.
• The arena has seen only eight losing seasons over the past 30 years.
• It hosted a home winning streak of 25 games—from Feb. 25, 1967 to Dec. 17, 1969.
Now, the Fordham men’s and women’s basketball programs are primed to bring a new level of excitement to the Rose Hill Gym for the 2009-2010 season.
Will you be there?
You can get in on all the jump shots, fast breaks and slam dunks of Fordham basketball by taking advantage of the most generous season ticket plan in the University’s history.
Here’s what you’ll get as a 2009-2010 basketball season ticket holder:
• the full season of men’s and women’s basketball tickets;
• a 50 percent discount off the walk-up ticket prices for all 12 home games;
• a ticket to the game against Villanova at the Izod Center;
• a guaranteed seat for popular home games against Xavier, St. Joseph’s and Dayton;
• a free media guide for loge season ticket holders ($10 value);
• first priority in tickets for the Atlantic 10 Championship Tournament;
• reduced-fee parking passes;
• first priority in tickets for the following basketball season.
With a season of Fordham hoops action available for only $110 (general admission; reserved seats are $135 for the season and loge seats are $165 for the season), there’s no need to wait for March to begin the madness!
Just take it from Athletic Director Frank McLaughlin:
“Both coaching staffs worked hard to recruit the outstanding young talent on these teams,” he said. “When alumni show their strong support, it sends a message to the basketball community and to potential student athletes that Fordham is setting its sights on becoming a first-class program.”
In addition, the men’s team will venture outside the comfy confines of the Rose Hill Gym on Dec. 19 to clash with the powerhouse Villanova Wildcats—a Final Four team last year—under the bright lights of the Izod Center in East Rutherford, N.J.
That game will ready the Rams for yet another contest on the pro hardwood. On Jan. 13, Fordham will take on Atlantic 10 rival Dayton at Madison Square Garden. The game will mark the first Fordham appearance at the Garden since 2002, and the 114th overall.
Plus, the women’s squad is ready to show that the men don’t have a lock on hardwood heroics. A bumper crop of fresh talent will transform the team, which is built on the solid shooting and steady shoulders of veterans Randall Hurst and Becky Peters.
Make no mistake. Rams basketball is bearing down on the Rose Hill Gym and professional arenas in and around New York City. Thousands of fans will come along for the ride.
Be there when guard Brenton Butler nails a three-pointer against Villanova at the Izod Center.
Cheer when the women’s team retires the uniform number of all-time scoring and rebounding leader Anne Gregory on Dec. 5.
Scream yourself hoarse as Jio Fontan, a 2009 Atlantic 10 All-Rookie Team selection, helps the Rams climb the standings in the competitive Atlantic 10.
Do it because it’s not a game.
It’s basketball.
Be a Fordham Fanatic.
