Share
this

Hawks Nest

Official Review by Josh Verlin, Stadium Journey Special Correspondent

Hagan Arena, short for Michael J. Hagan '85 Arena, opened for the 2009-10 season after the expansion and renovation of the Alumni Memorial Field House. Hagan Arena now seats 4,200 - an increase of 1,000 seats. The arena is home to the St. Joseph's Hawks men's basketball team. St. Joseph's has a strong basketball tradition which includes 19 appearances in the NCAA basketball tournament, and one Final Four appearance (1961). The Hawks are more recently famous for their 2003-04 team that featured current NBA players Jameer Nelson and Delonte West.

Food & Beverage    3

The food and beverage selection at Hagan Arena is standard fare but reasonable for a sporting event. They sell pizza, hot dogs and soft drinks. The arena also allows you to bring food inside so rather than buy anything in the arena you should stop at Larry's Steaks directly across the street from the arena.

Atmosphere    4

What's really cool about Hagan is that, as a modern expansion to an existing stadium, it feels both brand-new and a little throwback at the same time. It's clear that the majority of the stadium was renovated, with a modern concourse. The arena holds on to its history as it moves forward in time.

Neighborhood    3

There are food options directly across the street from Hagan Arena--Cosi and Larry's Steaks. You should definitely choose Larry's Steaks as it has been at the same location since 1956 and they sell typical Philly fare--cheesesteaks, hoagies and grinders. You cannot go wrong with Larry's Steaks. If you are driving to Hagan Arena, you have more options, giving the neighborhood a slightly higher rating. Drive 5 minutes east down City Ave (US-1 North) towards I-76 and you will find Chops Restaurant (a local steakhouse), plus chains California Pizza Kitchen, T.G.I Friday's, Qdoba, Five Guys, Olive Garden and more. Without a car, the neighborhood is a 2, with it, it becomes a 4.

Fans    4

When the Saint Joseph's students fill up their section at Hagan--which is fairly common--they form a massive wall of sound behind one of the buckets. Led by a drummer, the student section is loud for a small arena. The students start every half with the school fight song, "When the Hawks go Flying In." The student section, which is always standing, is rarely quiet, often chanting a SJU related cheer. There are several alumni that try and relive their years as a student by standing up the whole game cheering with the student section. The student section is accompanied by the alumni and student pep band.

Access    4

There is a large, free parking lot right next to Hagan, but that can fill up before games--and it can also be a little bit of a traffic nightmare if you arrive with only a few minutes to spare. Showing up an hour early can guarantee a spot in the lot and much less of a hassle, but only if you don't mind spending an hour at the stadium before the game starts. Otherwise, there is plenty of free street parking on the non-Philadelphia side of City Ave, with just a short (2-block) walk to the stadium. That also makes for a much easier departure than having to wait in the Hagan lot. Bathrooms in Hagan are large, clean and modern--definitely no complaints there.

Return on Investment    3

Ticket prices vary based on what game you attend so we'll keep it simple and analyze the cheapest tickets. The cheapest ticket for a Big 5 game is $17 and an Atlantic 10 game is $15. When you consider the cheapest seat to see Temple is $12 and to watch the 76ers is $10, those prices seem a little expensive in comparison.

Extras    4

One of the coolest things about Saint Joseph's is their slogan--The Hawk Will Never Die. What that's in reference to is the SJU mascot, continually flapping its wings--that's thousands of times in one game, an exceptionally tiring feat. Another major bonus comes from the fact that Hagan is now hosting Big 5 games, including their huge Holy War rivalry with Villanova, held on-campus for the first time ever in the 2011-2012 season. That just adds to the history in the building. Also, Phil Martelli, the head coach of the Hawks, has the most wins in the school's history--he's literally a living example of the history in Hagan.

You must be a Stadium Journey member to post a comment.

Already a member? Sign in or Create a Stadium Journey Account

-- OR --