📍 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
🏀 Home of Temple Owls basketball

During the heyday of the Temple basketball program in the 1990s, their cramped digs at McGonigle Hall were in dire need of replacement and threatened their ability to schedule marquee matchups. Enter the Liacouras Center, a new state-of-the-art home for the Owls located just north of Center City Philadelphia. Originally called “The Apollo of Temple”, the cavernous venue opened in 1997 and has been a faithful home for the team as they’ve stampeded their way to a 75%+ win percentage.

With a seating capacity of over 10,000 for basketball games, Liacouras Center provides much-needed breathing room compared to the Owls’ former home over at McGonigle Hall, which held less than 4,000 and was notoriously unseasonable. Additionally, the venue boasts several features not found at its predecessor, such as luxury suites, club seating and a massive video board. Liacouras also serves as an event venue for all of North Philly, hosting everything from wrestling and roller derby to political rallies and convocations, even serving as a temporary hospital during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The halls of Liacouras are decorated with the photos of some of the school’s most accomplished and remarkable athletes, making up the Temple Athletics Hall of Fame. Above the seating bowl, the Ring of Honor likewise highlights some of the basketball program’s biggest stars and most influential players.

Over the years, the Temple Owls have established themselves as a perennial mid-major contender. Much of this success can be attributed to the legendary coaching tenures of Harry Litwack, John Chaney and Fran Dunphy, who led the team for nearly 60 combined seasons. Under their elite leadership, the Owls produced several All-Americans and made more than 30 NCAA Tournament appearances, reaching the Final Four on two occasions. But despite being one of the most winningest programs in all of college hoops, Temple has yet to win – or even appear in – a National Championship game, having secured two NIT titles in the meantime.

As the Owls continue the search for their elusive first title, the excitement that often fills the Liacouras Center will continue to serve as a testament to the rich history and bright future of Temple basketball. Although the venue itself is not entirely unique or cathedral-esque, it’s a more-than suitable home for a great mid-major program and will help guide the team down their path to success.