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The Barn The official name is Xavier University Gymnasium. But the facility is more commonly known as The Barn, a name acquired in the 1960s because of a then-wood exterior and cavernous interior. And to Xavier opponents, The Barn simply is known as a difficult place to win. Beginning with the 1978-79 season, Xavier's men's and women's basketball teams have won a combined 77 percent of the games on their home floor. Xavier's women, the Gold Nuggets, will enter the 2006-07 season with a 36-game winning streak there. The facility, built in 1937, no longer resembles a barn. The interior has been enlarged and air-conditioned, and 1987 renovations — inspired by Pope John Paul II's visit to New Orleans and his celebration of Mass in the nearby quadrangle — replaced the wooden exterior with brick. The Barn underwent additional renovations during 2005-06 because of the effects of Hurricane Katrina. Xavier suspended its athletics program in 2005-06 after the university endured considerable storm damages, which included two feet of flood water in the gym. But by July the facility had been renovated — including Jackson State University's generous loan of a wooden basketball court — and The Barn was ready for the return of the athletics department's staff, coaches and teams. The 2004-05 home basketball season was memorable for the men and women. The Gold Nuggets were unbeaten in The Barn for the third consecutive season. Xavier's men, the Gold Rush, set an all-time school record for winning margin, 89 points, in a 116-27 decision against Wesley. The Barn, which seats 1,300 for basketball games, also is used for the university's physical-education classes, intramurals, registration, graduation and concerts. To purchase tickets for Xavier basketball games in The Barn, contact the athletics department at (504) 520-7330. |
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