On January 21, 1952, the Harlem Globetrotters played Seattle in a game designed to raise funds for the United States Olympic efforts.
Five days before the game was held, Royal Brougham received a call from Howard Hobson, who was the Yale basketball coach and a United States Olympic Committee member.
It was reported that money was needed to support the country's Olympic effort for the games held in Helsinki, Finland.
[8] Jazz great Louis Armstrong played at halftime and actress Joan Caulfield performed a ceremonial opening tip off.
The Globetrotters were considered the best basketball team in the world and the club paid their two star players "Goose" Tatum and Marques Hayes twenty five thousand dollars each.
Johnny's brother Eddie played point guard for Chieftains and his half court shot lifted the club to a 10-point lead.
In the first regular-season game in the new gymnasium, played the day before McDonough's official opening, the Hoyas lost to Fordham 57–50 on December 7, 1951, their only home loss of the season.