Brad Brownell releases statement on Clemson's announced basketball arena expansion

The Clemson basketball program got an infusion of cash on Thursday afternoon, the school announced in their press release. The release read, “The Clemson University Board of Trustees and the Finance and Facilities Committee gave Phase I approval on a plan for comprehensive improvements to Swann Pavilion and Littlejohn Coliseum, benefiting both men’s and women’s basketball programs, with the recently added gymnastics program beginning competition in the spring of 2024. The project includes renovations of more than $51,000 square feet of existing team spaces and 30,000 square feet of new construction at a cost of $40 million.”

Following the news of the announcement of the basketball arena upgrades, Clemson head men’s basketball coach Brad Brownell issued a statement on Thursday.

Brad Brownell on Clemson basketball facilities expansion

“What a great day for Clemson Basketball. In 2013, when we first took steps to renovate Littlejohn Coliseum, Joe and Bobbi Swann aided in the advancement of both programs with the construction of the Swann Pavilion. This new project, spearheaded by Jim and Candace Brown, will continue to give us some of the best facilities in the ACC and the country, while enabling us to consistently provide our student-athletes with a first-class experience. I want to thank the Browns for their considerable generosity and strong support of our program,” Brownell said in his statement on Thursday afternoon.

Construction on the project would begin after Phase II Board and State approval. The school also announced Phase II approval for their Performance & Wellness Center across the street for other Tiger athletic programs.

Some of the planned upgrades to the basketball facilities include development of operations and technology in the women’s basketball team areas, practice gym, offices and recruiting areas. The upgrades also include expansion to the shared strength and conditioning, nutrition, and sports medicine areas.

Littlejohn Coliseum last underwent major renovations beginning in May of 2015. That $63.5 million renovation was completed before the 2016-2017 season.

For more pictures and information on the most recent upgrades, check out the information here from the Clemson website.

Clemson basketball finished the 2022-2023 campaign with a 23-11 overall record after falling to Morehead State 68-64 in the first round of the NIT. It was surprising to many that the Tigers were left out of the 2023 NCAA Tournament after they posted a 23-10 overall record. They finished with an impressive 14-6 record in the ACC. But the selection committee did not feel the Tigers’ resume was strong enough to be in the NCAA Tournament.