Saint Mary's Gaels Overview

Fast facts

League: Division I (NCAA)

Head Coach: Randy Bennett

Team Mascot: The Gael

Year Opened: 1978

Capacity: 3500

City / State: Moraga / California

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

St. Mary’s vs Gonzaga Rivalry

Rival Team: Gonzaga Bulldogs

St. Mary’s biggest rivals are fellow WCC members Gonzaga. The two teams have met twice a year since 1980, and both teams have consistently been among the best teams in the WCC over the decade. There are more than just bragging rights on the line when Saint Mary’s and Gonzaga meet as every matchup between these two could decide who ends up conference champions. If you can only get to one Gaels basketball game, then make sure to get your tickets when the Bulldogs come to Moraga.

Saint Mary's Gaels Stadium Guide

In Game

If you’re looking to experience one of the best small school college hoops game days on the West Coast, then look no further than St. Mary’s. St. Mary’s offers everything you could want in a college hoops game, including an intimidating student section, making a trip to Moraga, California a must for any diehard college hoops fan.

The atmosphere in University Credit Union Pavilion is among the best you’ll find anywhere as everyone in attendance comes prepared to get loud in support of the Gaels. The student section, or the Gael Force as they’re called, are especially vocal in their support and all throughout the game you’ll hear them serenading the Gaels’ opponents with all kinds of taunts. The non-student sections are no slouches either at Gaels games with the community showing full support for St. Mary’s whenever they take the court.

While in Moraga take some time to view the beautiful St. Mary’s campus and grab a bite to eat. The St. Mary’s campus is gorgeous and provides a picturesque setting, and you’ll find a handful of places to eat including Ranch House and Amoroma.

St. Mary’s is home to one of the best atmospheres in not just the WCC but all of college basketball making a trip to University Credit Union Pavilion a must for any diehard college hoops fan.

Things to check out

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Trophy Case

Before tipoff, take some time to check out the trophy case in the University Credit Union Pavilion main lobby. There is a lot to see here as the Gaels are one of the more successful mid-major programs in the country making the trophy case a must-see.

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Banners

Take a minute to check out the banners hanging above the court. The banners celebrate Gaels best players and teams and are a can’t miss for anyone taking in a Gaels game.

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Gaels Shop

It may not be as big as the team shops at other larger schools, but you’ll still find no better place to pick up a souvenir than the Gaels Shop. The Gaels Shop has a wide selection of t-shirts making it the perfect one-stop shop.

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Gaels Mascot

The smiling Gaels mascot will bring a smile to your face when taking in a game at University Credit Union Pavilion. He gets into all kinds of antics at St. Mary’s games, so keep an eye out for the Gaels mascot as you wouldn’t want to miss him.

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Gael Force

The student section is a big part of every St. Mary’s basketball game as the small size of the University Credit Union Pavilion puts the Gael Force right on top of the action. The Gael Force has made University Credit Union Pavilion one of the toughest places in the nation for opponents to play, so enjoy the atmosphere they create when attending a Gaels game.

Fight Songs

  1. On to Victory

    On to victory, the Red and Blue shall win today.
    From Moraga’s hills our team is ready for the fray.
    When we’ve won the game throughout the land,
    will spread our fame and with all our might
    the Red and Blue will fight, fight, fight!

  2. Hail St. Mary’s

    Hail St. Mary’s, Hail!
    Alma Mater, Hail!
    We’ll give our all for thee,
    Red and the Blue!

    From Moraga’s hills sounds the call afar,
    In defeat or victory it’s “Hail, St. Mary’s, Hail!”

  3. Aussie Aussie Aussie Chant

    The Gaels have had several Australians playing for them over the years including current NBA players Matthew Dellavedova and Pattys Mills making this chant a staple at Gaels games. Join in the chant to show your support for the Gaels Aussie players during your visit to St. Mary’s.

    Individual: “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!”
    Crowd: “Oi! Oi! Oi!”

    Individual: “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!”
    Crowd: “Oi! Oi! Oi!”

    Individual: “Aussie!”
    Crowd: “Oi!”

    Individual: “Aussie!”
    Crowd: “Oi!”

    Individual (faster): “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!”
    Crowd (equally fast): “Oi! Oi! Oi!

Saint Mary's Gaels Bars & Restaurants

  1. Tiki Tom’s

    Tiki drink

    Sports bar featuring Hawaiian- & Mexican-style fare plus open-mike nights & occasional live music.

    1535 Olympic Blvd, Walnut Creek, CA 94596, USA

    Bar website

    mexican - $$

  2. Fleming’s Steakhouse

    Flemings prime Steak house

    High-end steakhouse chain with aged prime beef & classics such as lobster tails & pork chops.

    1685 Mt Diablo Blvd, Walnut Creek, CA 94596, USA

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$$

  3. The Habit Burger Grill

    The Habit Burger Grill

    Charbroiled burgers star at this fast-food chain also offering deli-type sandwiches, salads & fries.

    1255 S California Blvd, Walnut Creek, CA 94596, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  4. Round Table Pizza

    Pizza

    Chain serving pizzas with a variety of toppings & sauces in a simple space.

    361 Rheem Blvd, Moraga, CA 94556, USA

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  5. Ranch House

    Ranch House

    Serves breakfast food that warms your soul

    1012 School St, Moraga, CA 94556, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. Nation’s Giant Hamburgers & Great Pies

    beer burger

    Fast-food chain featuring oversized burgers, all-day breakfast & lots of pies in a retro setting.

    400 Park St, Moraga, CA 94556, USA

    Bar website

    american - $