Auburn University announces major change to Auburn Arena

There are some major changes coming to Auburn Arena. According to a release from the university on Tuesday, Auburn Arena will undergo a name change to Neville Arena. The name change comes after Bill and Connie Neville gave the largest gift in the history of Auburn history.

Auburn Arena will officially transition to Neville Arena on March 4. The Tigers’ home men’s basketball game, Auburn’s regular season finale, against South Carolina on March 5 will include a recognition of the name change.

In addition to changing from Auburn Arena to Neville Arena, Auburn’s Board of Trustees approved a project to give the Tigers another basketball practice facility within the arena. With a new practice facility on the way and current facilities set for upgrades, the move is major news for the Tigers.

“With their transformational gift, Bill and Connie Neville are investing in the future of Auburn Athletics and Auburn University,” Auburn athletics director Allen Greene said in a release. “Motivated by their love of Auburn, Bill and Connie’s philanthropy will directly benefit Auburn student-athletes for generations. 

“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.”

Both Bill and Connie Neville commented in Auburn’s release. The two have enjoyed watching Auburn basketball grow in recent years, especially this season.

“We wanted to do something special for men’s basketball because it’s become such another amazing Auburn experience,” Bill Neville said.  “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.”

“It’s a remarkable time for Auburn Basketball,” Connie Neville said. “Coach Pearl has built a wonderful program, bringing excitement and enjoyment to the arena. We are very humbled to be able to make this gift.” 

Auburn coach Bruce Pearl: I will ‘work hard’ to bring championships to Neville Arena

Auburn head men’s basketball coach Bruce Pearl, fresh off of a contract extension, is excited about the news and name change to Neville Arena. Pearl knows that the Neville’s contributions to the program will help everyone involved moving forward.

“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.

“This is a commitment to all four of the programs that call Neville Arena home. 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.”

Pearl also tweeted a message on Tuesday morning, saying that his goal is to “honor the Neville Family by the way our student athletes train and compete,” and that student support will be key as well.

In addition to men’s basketball, Auburn Arena, soon to be Neville Arena, is also the home to Auburn women’s basketball, gymnastics, and volleyball.