A conceptual rendering of the O’Loughlin Family Champions Center shows a planned expansion of Chaifetz Arena at Saint Louis University expected to be completed in October. (Image courtesy: SLU Athletics)

Jason Barnes
Staff Writer

Walkways, parking lots, hallways, staircases, and even for a short time, the entire practice facility has been closed over the past year as construction and improvements around Chaifetz Arena created a few roadblocks for athletes and coaches in their comings and goings.

But Saint Louis University athletics director Chris May hoped it was just a few minor inconveniences for everyone that will hopefully lead to increased success among the school’s 16 sports teams in 2023-24.

The $20 million O’Loughlin Family Champions Center will be opening soon, giving all athletes a new facility for academics, professional development, nutrition and name image likeness guidance, among other things. The Chaifetz Pavilion will reopen September 1 with a new floor, new seating, and a few other surprises to come later in the month.

The next step is to build on a year that produced some performance breakthroughs, including three teams that won Atlantic 10 Conference championships and reached their respective NCAA tournaments.

“It was arguably as good a year as we’ve ever had,” May said. “We’re thinking we’re going to be even better this coming year. Across the board, we were as competitive as we’ve been programmatically. Now, how can we keep growing and how do we take the next step?”

The next step would have to include men’s basketball reaching the NCAA Tournament as SLU tries to continue to position itself as a top basketball-centric school.

Both soccer teams reached the postseason in 2022, and women’s basketball played its way into the NCAA field for the first time in March. All could be the favorite in the A-10 when their seasons start.

The baseball and softball teams were on the brink of conference titles before falling agonizingly short. And the track team had its first NCAA Championships qualifier in history.

Soon, everyone will have access to improved facilities that May is convinced will make a difference for current athletes and for luring future athletes.

“It’s huge, big time,” May said. “When athletes walk in, it’s a monster — a loud message about a commitment to their success. You’re always trying to serve students the best you can.”

The biggest performance improvement that is needed is in basketball as the men seek to reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2019. The pursuit will come with a largely rebuilt roster that includes a majority of newcomers from overseas and transfers.

“Clearly, being in the NCAA Tournament is important for the men’s program,” May said. “It’s one of our clear objectives. The program has won 20 games four years in a row (excluding the COVID season), but we have to take the next step of being in the NCAA Tournament and in position to make runs.”

The SLU hoops teams will begin practice in the new facility in October, with their eyes on beginning the new season in November. SLU women’s volleyball will probably be the first team to get to see and use the new facilities. That team has a series of home games in late September and throughout October that may give fans and interested onlookers alike a chance to see up close and personal what the new complex has to bring.

“We’re excited to show everyone what we’ve done here,” May said. “We believe its just another in many steps that will keep Saint Louis University near the top of the Atlantic 10 Conference.”