How about a slam dunk of history right here at Calihan Hall? This isn’t just any arena. Calihan Hall is a place where legends were made.
Welcome to Calihan Hall. It is home to the University of Detroit Mercy Titans basketball team. But it is more than just a basketball court. It is a monument to Detroit sports history.
Back in 1952, this arena opened its doors. It was first known as the Memorial Building. On December 2, 1952, the first basketball game was played here. The Titans triumphed over Kalamazoo College with a score of 75–61.
In 1977, the arena got a new name. It became Calihan Hall. This was in honor of Bob Calihan. He was the Titans’ first basketball All-American. He also became the school’s winningest coach.
Did you know the Detroit Pistons played games here in the late 1950s? This hall has seen some serious NBA action. Imagine the echoes of cheers. Feel the intensity of those games.
For a while, Calihan Hall could pack in over 10,000 fans. Those were the days of standing-room only. Fire marshals later reduced the capacity to 7,917 for safety.
Calihan Hall also hosts the Detroit Catholic High School League playoffs. It is a battleground for Michigan High School Athletic Association tournament games.
In 2017, the University of Michigan hosted a big game here. It was the championship game of the Women’s National Invitation Tournament. The Wolverines beat Georgia Tech in three overtimes.
On December 5, 2011, something special happened. The court was named Dick Vitale Court. This honored Dick Vitale. He is a longtime ESPN analyst. Vitale started his coaching career at the University of Detroit in 1973. He even served as the school’s athletic director.
Speaking of records, Hersey Hawkins scored 63 points here in 1988. Archie Tullos scored 49 points for the Titans in the same game. The Titans once scored 135 points in a single game. That was against CCNY in 1979. Dave DeBusschere grabbed 39 rebounds in 1960.
Calihan Hall is more than just a building. It’s a symbol of Detroit’s spirit. It embodies the love for basketball. It is a place where memories are made. As you leave, remember the legends who played here. Remember the roar of the crowds. Keep the spirit of Calihan Hall alive.