The RC arena has had a comprehensive update including installation of a new state-of-the-art, cushioned basketball floor -- the same type of floor played on in the 2007 NCAA Final Four.
The new floor was dedicated Oct. 12, 2007, in honor of SBU legend and Basketball Hall of Fame member Bob Lanier, who led St. Bonaventure to the NCAA Final Four in 1969-70. Lanier's signature is featured prominently on each half of the new wood floor.
The floor is the result of the generosity of a group of alumni. Lisa and Samuel Molinaro, from the classes of 1981 and 1980, respectively, contributed a lead gift of $210,000 to kick off the project. Barb (’81) and Tom (’80) Fleming also contributed $50,000.
In addition to the floor, the project included new end-court scoreboards, new controllers for the center-court scoreboards, a new sound system with state-of-the-art 360-degree speakers, as well as new amplification and controls.
New drop-down baskets replaced the old roll-out models and the backboards are NBA-quality that light up at every basket scored. Also replaced was the old floor cover, which protects the floor during other activities the arena may be used for.
The broken and cracked block walls at each end of the arena were repaired and painted. New wheels were installed on the rolling bleachers to protect the new floor when the bleachers are moved in and out before and after games.
Lanier, who helped launch the NBA's Stay in School Program and continues to devote much of his time to helping children, said the new floor is a tribute to more than one player.
"This is for all the people who played on this floor, who sweated and cried and gave everything they had for a university they cared so much about," he said. "It might be Bob Lanier Court, but it's really for all of those people."