CLEMSON, S.C. – The Clemson University Board of Trustees Finance and Facilities Committee granted Phase II approval on a plan for comprehensive improvements to Swann Pavilion and Littlejohn Coliseum with construction scheduled to commence in December 2024.
Phase I approval was reached in July 2023, which was the initial stage in the project’s progress. The project aims to benefit both men’s and women’s basketball programs with the gymnastics program finishing its first year of competition this past spring. 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.
Anticipated facility improvements include further development of operations and technology in the women’s basketball team spaces, practice gym, offices and recruiting areas. Additionally, the improvements include modernization and expansion to shared strength & conditioning, nutrition, and sports medicine spaces. Some of the newly constructed spaces include men’s basketball team areas, offices, and practice gym.
Upon completion, each program will have its own designated practice gym, updated offices and team areas, as well as improved performance spaces. Externally, modified site circulation on the exterior along with a new expanded patio and plaza opportunity at the corner of the facility are included for the teams.
Littlejohn Coliseum last underwent major renovation beginning in May 2015. The $63.5 million renovation was completed prior to the 2016-17 season, which also added the Swann Pavilion and Burton Gallery. The existing building originally was constructed beginning in 1966 and opened for the first time on November 30, 1968.
At the time of Phase I approval by the Clemson University Board of Trustees Finance and Facilities Committee, Graham Neff and Head Coach Brad Brownell provided these comments:
“We are thankful to be able to begin the process of continued commitments to our basketball programs,” said Director of Athletics Graham Neff. “Strong basketball programs are key to an elite intercollegiate athletic department, which greatly impacts the student experience. We are thankful to the Brown Family for their generous support, which will allow us to continue the progress of bringing our basketball facilities among the top in the country.”
“What a great day for Clemson Basketball,” said Head Men’s Basketball Coach Brad Brownell. “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.”
