Chaifetz Arena
Chaifetz Arena, as seen from the Olive/Compton Parking Garage
A new era in Saint Louis University athletics began April 10, 2008, with the dedication of Chaifetz Arena (pronounced SHAY-fetz), the University’s $81 million, on-campus multipurpose facility located at the intersection of Compton Avenue and Market Street.
banners highlighting numerous milestones throughout the almost 200-year history of Saint Louis University. Six concession stands, 12 public restrooms and one family restroom also are located throughout the concourse.
Chaifetz Arena is named in honor of SLU alumnus Dr. Richard A. Chaifetz, who donated a $12 million naming gift to the Arena project. A 1975 SLU graduate and licensed neuropsychologist, Dr. Chaifetz is the founder, chairman and CEO of Chicago-based ComPsych Corporation, the world’s largest provider of employee-assistance programs.
The Arena bowl affords a clear sightline to the playing floor from every seat. Four 14x45-foot corner scoreboards, a 959-foot LED ribbon board and 140 feet of 10 mm LED floor tables provide information and graphics that greatly enhance the fan experience.
Chaifetz Arena is the home competition site of Billiken men’s basketball, women’s basketball and volleyball. In addition to the Arena bowl that seats 10,600 for basketball, the complex features Chaifetz Pavilion, a two-court basketball and volleyball practice facility that also serves as an 800-seat venue for home volleyball matches; locker rooms for all SLU intercollegiate athletics teams; state-of-the-art strength and conditioning and sports medicine facilities; an academic center for Billiken student-athletes; and a three-story structure that houses the administrative offices of the department of athletics. Billiken fans visiting Chaifetz Arena enjoy a number of amenities. The SLU Shop offers a wide variety of officially licensed Saint Louis athletics clothing, while the U.S. Bank Billiken Hall of Fame Walkway provides a glimpse into the rich history of Billiken athletics. The spacious concourse surrounding the Arena bowl features photo collages that focus attention on four University themes – athletics, academics, campus life, and service and mission – as well as
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In addition to the locker rooms, the strength and conditioning facility and the sports medicine area, the event level features Lorenzini’s, a 4,700-square foot club used for dinners, parties and other functions; a concession stand for fans who occupy the Arena’s club seats; and a media work room and interview room. Chaifetz Arena’s suite level contains 14 private suites and two party rooms on the north and south ends of the facility. Each suite has seating for 20 people and is equipped with a refrigerator, ice maker and television. Patrons have access to a full menu of food and beverage selections. Groundbreaking for Chaifetz Arena was conducted Aug. 28, 2006, and dedication ceremonies were held April 10, 2008. The total size of the structure is 269,300 square feet. Managed by Global Spectrum, the Arena hosts numerous events in addition to Billiken basketball and volleyball, including SLU’s commencement and convocation ceremonies, concerts and other performing arts events and trade shows.
2010-11 Saint Louis Billikens Basketball • SLUBillikens.com