Alumni Hall - Providence Friars Volleyball
- Paul Baker
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71
Alumni Hall
One Cunningham Square
Providence, RI 02908
Year Opened: 1955
Capacity: 1,854
Friartown Volleyball
Alumni Hall was built in 1955 at the direction of Providence College President Rev. Robert Slavin. He felt the men’s basketball team needed an on-campus home to be competitive. Until then, the they had played in local gyms off-campus or in a small gym in the basement of Harkins Hall. Built at a cost of $1.5 million, Alumni Hall was dedicated to PC alumni who fought in World War II. Alumni Hall served as home to the PC men’s team until the construction of the Providence Civic Center (now the Amica Mutual Pavilion) downtown in 1972.
Volleyball has been played at Providence College since 1977. The Friars have won three Big East Conference titles (1983, 1985, 1987) and have qualified for two NCAA tournaments (1983 & 1985).
In 2012 Alumni Hall underwent a $3 million renovation, which included the installation of new seating, lighting, air conditioning, video scoreboards and control room, sound system and other amenities. LED lighting has also been installed in the facility. Today Alumni Hall serves as home to the Providence College women’s basketball and volleyball teams.
Food & Beverage 1
There are no concessions available at Alumni Hall during Providence College volleyball games. The Slavin Center, PC’s student union, is attached to Alumni Hall, and contains a Dunkin’ Donuts, the campus store and the Alumni Food Court. Depending on the time of the day and day of the week you may be visiting for a game, you may be able to grab a snack to bring into the game. If nothing happens to be open, there is no issue with fans bringing their own snacks into Alumni Hall to enjoy during a game.
Atmosphere 3
Volleyball is experiencing a surge of interest around the country, but it still lags behind many of the other fall sports in this part of the country. If you’ve never been to a volleyball game, it’s a fast-paced, exciting game with a lot of chances for fans to influence the gameday atmosphere.
The staff at Providence College put on a pretty basic show, which isn’t to say it’s boring by any means, it’s just a bit understated due to the smallish crowds and resources at Alumni Hall. They use the arena’s excellent sound system to play music during time outs and other play stoppages, the PA announcer adds a bit of energy to the proceedings, fans are into the action, and volleyball players tend to add their own brand of energy to the games as well. If you’ve never experienced a college volleyball match, you’re certain to enjoy yourself.
Neighborhood 3
Alumni Hall is part of a sprawling complex on the northern edge of the Providence College campus which houses most of the college’s athletic, fitness and social facilities. The Peterson Recreation Center, the Concannon Fitness Center, Ruane Friar Development Center, the Taylor Natatorium, Slavin Center and Providence College Bookstore are all built around Alumni Hall, which sits at the center of the complex. Located nearby are many of the school’s other athletic facilities, including Schneider Arena, Lennon Family Field, Ray Tracey Track and Anderson Stadium.
The Elmhurst neighborhood where Providence College is located is a residential, working-class neighborhood, so visiting fans will need to venture out a bit to find some of the city’s excellent dining, entertainment and lodging options. Luckily, downtown Providence is only about two miles from the PC campus. In addition to all the city’s attractions, the Amica Mutual Pavilion, home of the Friars basketball team, is located here.
For fans wanting to stay near campus, Stadium Journey recommends The Abbey, known for their collection of signature burgers and selection of 92 draft beers and LaSalle Bakery, where some of Providence’s finest baked goods can be found. Otherwise, we recommend you head downtown towards Federal Hill, Providence’s version of Little Italy, for more great dining options.
Fans 2
A Friar volleyball crowd is what we usually like to call a “friends and family” type of crowd, meaning that most of the people in attendance have a personal connection with the athletes down on the court. As a result, they are usually pretty knowledgeable about the game and very enthusiastic about supporting their favorite athletes. It’s no exception here in Providence. The crowd is vocal, but not overwhelmingly so. A typical Friar volleyball crowd numbers between 100-250 fans, depending on the opponent and day of week of the game. Recent seasons have seen up to 500 fans for bigger games.
While there appears to be some support from the student body, there’s no organized student section or frankly, any need for one. For big games the athletic department does put out the call to the students, and they’ve been known to turn out in decent numbers. With much of Providence’s schedule consisting of other teams from New England, you can expect to see some visiting fans in the stands as well. This is a place you can feel comfortable sporting the opposition’s colors.
Access 3
Providence College is located in the residential Elmhurst neighborhood of Providence, about a mile from Route 146 and Interstate 95. To get to Alumni Hall, fans will need to do some driving through the city, but the campus is still pretty easy to find. Fans using public transportation will be pleased to know that RIPTA’s number 55 bus has stops at Providence College and along Admiral Street, just a short distance from Alumni Hall.
Fans driving to Alumni Hall can park in a small lot adjacent to the Ruane Friar Development Center or in the parking garage on the other side of the Lennon Turf Field. A short walk will take you to the Ruane Atrium, where the entrance into Alumni Hall will be on your left. The ticket office and Providence College Athletic Hall of Fame are located here.
Fans will enter Alumni Hall at floor level right on the baseline. Most of the seating for volleyball is in the grandstand on your left, although the small bleachers on each end of the gym are also open. In this bandbox of a gymnasium, all seats have a great view of the action. Restrooms are located in the corners of the facility.
Return on Investment 5
There is no charge for admission to Friars volleyball games, nor is there a charge for parking. With no concessions on site, you will not have to reach for your wallet during your time at Alumni Hall.
Extras 2
Banners hang on the walls of Alumni Hall honoring Friar conference championships and tournament appearances in both women’s basketball and volleyball. Several banners hang at the opposite end of the gym honoring legendary figures in Friar women’s basketball history.
The Providence College Athletic Hall of Fame is located in the entryway of Alumni Hall. Among the many notable names to be found here are several notable NBA, NHL and MLB players and Olympians.
Final Thoughts
Alumni Hall is a basic facility that suits the needs of Providence College volleyball well. It’s great to see an old gym like this find new life with the school’s women’s programs.
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