Ribbon Cut at New Littlejohn

By Philip Sikes, Athletic Communications

Sixteen months of work culminated Friday, October 14 in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the newly renovated Littlejohn Coliseum. Head basketball coaches Brad Brownell and Audra Smith were joined in the special grand opening by Clemson President James P. Clements and director of athletics Dan Radakovich.

The event took place in Burton Gallery, named in honor of Bill and Lynne Burton, whose generous matching campaign helped raise over $1 million toward capital improvements for basketball. The space is roughly 10,000 square feet and serves as the new grand entrance to the facility. Also appearing as speakers were Brian O’Rourke, Clemson University’s vice president for development (and a former men’s basketball manager), as well as former IPTAY president Jim Bostic.

Over 150 guests, most of whom contribute in some form or fashion for the support of Tiger basketball, were on hand as well as the players and coaches that make up both Clemson teams. One special guest was Craig Mobley, Clemson’s first African-American basketball player (1970-71). Mobley was introduced to and took pictures with the men’s basketball team following the ceremony.

The $63.5 million renovation includes the following:• Rotation of the playing floor by 90 degrees• New premium seating known as the Coliseum Club, complete with a suite area• Revamped seating bowl with expanded portals in the four corners for game action• Largest curved centerhung videoboard in college basketball, featuring six screens• Digital ribbon boards across each portal inside the seating bowl• Swann Pavilion, which includes a state-of-the-art practice court as well as operational areas for both programs (coaches offices, new locker rooms, training room, weight room, film rooms, player lounges)