Auburn Arena will undergo a name change, it was announced Tuesday.
The building, which serves as home for Auburn men’s and women’s basketball, gymnastics, and volleyball will officially be renamed Neville Arena beginning March 4, with an on-court recognition ceremony during Auburn’s final home game against South Carolina on March 5.
“We wanted to do something special for men’s basketball because it’s become such another amazing Auburn experience,” said Bill Neville. “The fact that we can benefit so many student-athletes, students and members of the Auburn family was our primary inspiration. We’re honored that Auburn would consider us.”
The name change comes as an honor to Bill and Connie Neville, members of Auburn’s Pat Dye Society, who have contributed the largest single donation in Auburn Athletics history. The Pat Dye Society is the highest level of giving in Auburn’s Tigers Unlimited program.
“It’s a remarkable time for Auburn basketball,” Connie said. “Coach [Bruce] Pearl has built a wonderful program, bringing excitement and enjoyment to the arena. We are very humbled to be able to make this gift.”
The Nevilles are already the namesake of the Bill and Connie Neville Lobby at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Bill Neville serves on the Tigers Unlimited Foundation board.
“With their transformational gift, Bill and Connie Neville are investing in the future of Auburn Athletics and Auburn University,” said Auburn athletics director Allen Greene. “Motivated by their love of Auburn, Bill and Connie’s philanthropy will directly benefit Auburn student-athletes for generations."
Neville Arena will also undergo several upgrades, including a new practice facility. The new facility will allow Auburn men’s and women’s basketball teams to practice at advantageous times and will limit the overscheduling of the existing practice gym.
"We thank the Board of Trustees for approving the recommendation to acknowledge the Neville's profound generosity, as well as approving facilities projects that will further elevate all of the Auburn programs that call Neville Arena home," Greene said.
Bill's father and grandparents all graduated from Auburn.
"Bill knew how much his father loved Auburn and he's dedicated much of his life to honoring his father," Pearl said. "That's how I look at this gift. I will always work hard to try to continue to bring championships to Neville Arena."
While the arena is home to four programs, Pearl acknowledged the impact it will have on his team specifically.
"This is a commitment to all four of the programs that call Neville Arena home," Pearl said. "The fact that our guys will truly have a place they can call home 24 hours a day, seven days a week with the way they train, is very significant and will contribute to our ability to sustain success."
In addition, the women’s basketball locker room and team spaces will undergo renovations, costing an estimated $3 million.
"The approval of our women's basketball locker room renovation shows the continued commitment of Auburn University to helping us rebuild our program," said women's basketball coach Johnnie Harris. "Facilities have become a critical part of the recruiting process but is also important to building a team's brand and culture. We are incredibly thankful for the message that our administration is sending towards our growth and future."
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Matthew is a senior from Huntsville, Alabama, majoring in journalism. He started with The Plainsman in fall 2021.
Twitter: @mattwallaceAU
