Gallagher Center

For nearly 70 years, the Gallagher Center has been the home of Niagara University's men's and women's basketball teams as well as the women's volleyball program.

The first game in "Gally" - then known as the Student Center - took place on November 30, 1949 and saw the men's basketball team defeat Lawrence Tech by a 62-43 score. Since then, the Purple Eagles have enjoyed a tremendous homecourt advantage in the friendly confines of the Gallagher Center, going 430-200 (.682 win pct.) over the years.

On May 23, 1982, the Student Center was officially renamed the John J. ‘Taps’ Gallagher Center in honor of Niagara's legendary former athletics director and basketball coach who led the Purple Eagles for 31 seasons.

In 1995, the Gallagher Center also received improved lighting. Banners featuring Niagara’s NCAA and National Invitation Tournament appearances were added in 1996-97 while banners marking the accomplishments of the women’s basketball program were added in 1997-98. In the summer of 1998, the Gallagher Center underwent a $1.3 million renovation that included a new floor, bleachers and decor.

On December 6, 2014, Niagara University rededicated the Gallagher Center court in honor of Frank and Barbara Layden. Mr. Layden, who played under Gallagher from 1951-55, is a pro and collegiate basketball coaching legend. He led his alma mater for eight seasons (1968-76), taking Niagara to the program’s first-ever NCAA Tournament in 1970. Layden finished his coaching tenure at Niagara at the end of the 1976 season with 119 career wins, which were second at the time to Gallagher.

Layden went on to work as an assistant coach for the Atlanta Hawks (1976-79), before joining the Utah Jazz organization and serving in various capacities including general manager (1979-87), head coach (1981-89) and president (1989-99). Layden was named the 1983-84 NBA Coach of the Year and Executive of the Year, and was the recipient of the NBA’s J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award, given annually to a player or coach who shows outstanding service and dedication to the community

On the outside of the Gallagher Center, fans are welcomed by the Niagara Hall of Fame which highlights historical moments in the Niagara athletics, as well as plaques depicting Purple Eagles who have been inducted into the Niagara Hall of Fame.