St. John's Red Storm Overview

Fast facts

League: Division I (NCAA)

Head Coach: Rick Pitino

Team Mascot: Johnny Thunderbird

Year Opened: 1961

Capacity: 5602

City / State: Queens / New York

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Embed from Getty Images

St. John's Red Storm vs Georgetown Hoyas

Rival Team: Georgetown Hoyas

Both St. John’s and Georgetown are part of the “Catholic 7” and have had a longstanding rivalry since the 1980s when both schools were among the best in the country. The two teams have met many times in the Big East and NCAA Tournaments, although there are always plenty of bragging rights on the line when these two meet. If you’re looking to attend an intense matchup, then get tickets to a St. John’s-Georgetown game.

Embed from Getty Images

St. John's Red Storm vs Seton Hall Pirates

Rival Team: Seton Hall Pirates

St. John’s and Seton Hall have an intense rivalry. The two schools are both members of the “Catholic 7” and founding members of the Big East, so the two have met many times over the years. There are always lots of bragging rights on the line when St. John’s and Seton Hall meet, so don’t miss your chance to see these two square off.

St. John's Red Storm Stadium Guide

In Game

St. John’s splits their home basketball games between the quaint Carnesecca Arena and the world famous Madison Square Garden. The two venues offer very different experiences. However, no matter where you see a Red Storm game you’ll have an excellent time.

Carnesecca Arena on the St. John’s campus in Queens seats approximately 6,000 and provides a fun collegiate feel to anyone in attendance. The small arena puts the fans right on top of the action, and you’ll be seated right next to St. John’s diehards who live and die with their team. Carnesecca Arena also presents an excellent opportunity to learn more about the Red Storm’s past thanks to the large amount of memorabilia on display and the banners hanging above the court.

When a major opponent comes to town, the Red Storm play their home games at Madison Square Garden. A Red Storm game offers fans an excellent opportunity to see their team play on one of the world’s most famous stages for a relatively reasonable price. MSG is chalked full of things to see including the Garden 366 display and the 20 Defining Moments exhibits. Even if you’re not a fan of the Red Storm a trip to see a St. John’s game at Madison Square Garden is still something every college hoops fan should experience at least once.

No matter what venue you see a St. John’s basketball game at, you’ll have a great time as both arena’s offer unique experiences. Many die-hard college hoops fans will want to take in games at both venues, so plan your trip accordingly.

Things to check out

St. John’s Basketball Memorabilia

When attending a St. John’s game at Carnesecca Arena, take some time to view all of the St. John’s basketball memorabilia on display. You can even see Louie Carnesecca’s famous sweater on display, so don’t miss your chance to see all kinds of great St. John’s memorabilia.

play Watch video

Banners

At Carnesecca Arena, the Red Storm have lots of banners honoring all of the program’s accomplishments from over the years. Take in the banners to remember St. John’s glory days.

play Watch video

Garden 366

Garden 366 wraps around the entire MSG concourse and displays a thrilling moment in the arena’s history for each day of the year. The exhibit does an excellent job of showcasing the arena’s history, so make sure to check it out during your visit to The Garden.

play Watch video

20 Defining Moments

The 20 Defining Moments exhibit inside Madison Square Garden shows off the biggest and best moments in the arena’s history. The exhibit displays photos and memorabilia from the events and is must see for any history or sports buff.

play Watch video

Sky Bridges

The sky bridges at MSG allow you to be right over the action. The bridges offer an incredible one of a kind view of the action on the court, making them a must-see for any visiting fan.

play Watch video

Garden Vision

MSG’s state of the art scoreboard will blow you away. It even offers mini-scoreboards underneath, so you won’t have to strain your neck when sitting courtside.

play Watch video

Championship and Retired Number Banners

Hanging from the fabled rafters of Madison Square Garden you’ll see banners honoring all the great Knicks and Rangers players and teams of the past. Make sure to snap a picture of these awesome banners during your visit.

play Watch video

MSG All Access Tour

Don’t miss your chance to see the ins and outs of the World’s Most Famous Arena. Tours run daily from 9:30 am to 3:00 so arrive early to take the tour and make a day of it in Midtown Manhattan.

play Watch video

Johnny Thunderbird

Johnny Thunderbird became the official mascot of the Red Storm in 2009 and has been entertaining crowds ever since. Johnny has quickly become a big part of St. John’s basketball games, so keep an eye out for him when attending a Red Storm game.

play Watch video

Pep Band

The St. John’s pep band energizes the crowd with their tunes and creates a lively in-game atmosphere. The pep band plays all kinds of music and is one of the best parts of attending a St. John’s game whether it’s at Carnesecca Arena or Madison Square Garden.

play Watch video

Cheer and Dance Teams

Nobody pumps up the crowd at a Red Storm game like the St. John’s cheer team, and nobody entertains the crowd like the dance team. Both spirit groups do an excellent job of creating a fun in-game atmosphere and are a can’t miss aspect of any St. John’s game.

play Watch video

Fight Songs

  1. “Johnnie Fight Song”

    Fight, you Johnnies! Fight you Johnnies!
    Stand and fight like men for old Saint John’s.
    Fight, you Johnnies! Fight you Johnnies!
    You are Alma Mater’s own true sons.
    Show the world what S J U can do;
    The fighting Johnnies spirit will win through.
    Make the vict’ry greater for your dear old Alma Mater
    and the Cardinal and Blue.

    Rah! Rah! Rah! Rah! Rah! U-rah! Saint John’s
    Rah! Rah! Rah! Rah! Rah! U-rah! Saint John’s

  2. “St. John’s University Alma Mater”

    Thy Children here today, galore,
    Old St. John’s! Our dear St. John’s!
    And true will they be ever more,
    Old St. John’s! Our dear St. John’s!
    Thy colors bright, the Red and White,
    We’ll wave aloft from morn ’til night,
    Victorious, we’ll show our might,
    Old St. John’s! Our dear St. John’s!
    From fervent hearts we breathe our prayer,
    Old St. John’s! Our dear St. John’s!
    As we commend thee to His care,
    Old St. John’s! Our dear St. John’s!
    That He will guard thee by His might,
    And be thy shield in every fight,
    Thou champion of sacred rite,
    Old St. John’s! Our dear St. John’s!

  3. SJU!

    SJU!

St. John's Red Storm Bars & Restaurants

  1. Tori O’Toole’s

    Cleats Bar

    We're located right down the street from Queens College and have 8 flat screen TV's showing all the NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA games that you need to watch!

    59-18 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY 11355, USA

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  2. Fillmore’s Tavern

    Fillmores Tavern

    Alehouse in a Prohibition-era building providing contemporary American fare, including Irish nachos.

    166-02 65th Ave, Flushing, NY 11365, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  3. Dart Inn

    Criterion beer Mazzys Brewballs Cogans Deli Sports Pub Kamikazes Libbys Bar Grill Knot Pub Cara Irish Mess Hall

    Awesome watering hole for everyone who wants to chill.

    83-16 Parsons Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11432, USA

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  4. Cheap Shots Sports Bar & Lounge

    Fried chicken Mrs Winners Chicken Biscuits

    The best place in Queens to have a great time! You'll be a regular in no time.

    149-05 Union Tpke, Flushing, NY 11367, USA

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  5. Parson’s Ale House

    Beers

    Great little spot for gatherings and merriment.

    7908 Parsons Blvd, Fresh Meadows, NY 11366, USA

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  6. CJ’s Cafe

    Burger

    Tiny, relaxed choice featuring homemade soups, pressed sandwiches & all-day breakfast eats.

    177-15 Union Tpke, Fresh Meadows, NY 11366, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  7. Vincenzo’s Pizzeria & Restaurant

    Vincenzos Pizzeria and Restaurant

    This pint-sized pizzeria with slices & pies also doles out heros, wraps, pasta & Italian entrees.

    168-19 Union Tpke, Flushing, NY 11366, USA

    Bar website

    italian - pizza - $$$

  8. Acquista Trattoria

    Acquista Trattoria

    Family-owned spot serves hefty portions of Italian classics & signature house-made tiramisu.

    178-1 Union Tpke, Fresh Meadows, NY 11366, USA

    Bar website

    italian - $$