Hoops on the Hudson is an annual event that helps kick off Villanova’s Men’s Basketball Team which took place on Oct. 12 in New York City. It is a time for alumni and recent graduates in the nearby area to come together to celebrate the start of the season with the current basketball team and former Wildcat players. This year’s event contributed greatly to support to the renovations of the new Pavilion. 

As construction is being done on the Finneran Pavilion, a new addition will be added, making the finishing project exceed predicted expectations. During Hoops on the Hudson, alumnus and University Trustee Patrick McMahon ’85 and his wife, Kristen, saw an opportunity to support this university and decided to donate a $5 million commitment towards the “For the Greater Great: The Villanova Campaign to Ignite Change” campaign. Their donation will go toward the creation of a new walkway and plaza that will be the first steps that students, alumni and fans take as they enter into the new Finneran Pavilion.

This new walkway will be named the “McMahon Way” to recognize the McMahon family’s generous donation towards Villanova Basketball and the University. “McMahon Way” will consist of a bridge crossing over Ithan Avenue to connect the rest of the campus to the Pavilion, leading to a plaza that people can walk through to capture a showcase of the University’s greatest athletic moments and traditions.  

Director of Athletics Mark Jackson shared that the donation towards the walkway was made possible not only to support athletics, but for all Villanova has to offer. “Pat and Kristen’s generosity is representative of their love and passion for all things Villanova. It has been a wonderful experience building a friendship with both of them over the last two years. Their generosity goes well beyond this incredible donation, as their leadership, insight and advice have made an enormous impact on our community,” shared Mark Jackson, Director of Athletics, stated in the press release. “The bridge will be a unique and comfortable place that shares the Villanova Basketball story that many people will definitely be attracted to.”

The University is very proud of all of the accomplishments of both the school and students. The McMahon’s donation has inspired Villanova’s basketball program, as well at others here at Villanova. The new walkway is a great way to display athletic achievements for all to see, allowing other Villanovans to be just as proud of their classmates’ hard work and dedication. 

Walking through “McMahon Way” will allow students and alumni to feel excited as they make their way towards the Pavilion doors. This new entrance will welcome all students, alumni and fans as they enter the Pavilion. The entry will be used as a gathering place for the community to come together before big events hosted in the Pavilion; not just basketball games, but for all other events held on campus, such as the St. Thomas of Villanova Day of Service, Special Olympics and Orientation activities.

Michael J. O’Neill, Senior Vice President for University Advancement, shared in the press release that “McMahon Way will be the first steps Villanovans take as they come together for basketball games and so many other traditions that shape the Villanova experience. We look forward to celebrating Kristen and Pat’s incredible philanthropy in this meaningful way.”