The arena was originally named after former Explorers captain and head coach Tom Gola, a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

[1] La Salle had not played basketball on campus since leaving Wister Hall in 1955, the season after winning the 1954 NCAA Championship.

The arena hosted its final game on March 2nd, 2024, with the men’s basketball team defeating George Washington 72–66.

John Glaser Arena opened on October 24, 2024, with Hoops Fest, a celebration to kick off the basketball season.

[8] John Glaser Arena hosted its first game on November 4, 2024 with the men's basketball team defeating the American Eagles 65–52.

To continue to namesake and legacy of Explorer's legend Tom Gola, a plaza outside of TruMark Financial Center was dedicated in his honor on September 26, 2024.