Tigers in Greenville

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Clemson University and the city of Greenville formally announced a partnership Thursday to host 2015-16 men’s basketball home games and commencement ceremonies, beginning in August. The announcement took place at the brand new Clemson entrance at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena.

Neill Cameron, Clemson’s Vice President for Advancement, gave a brief welcome to the VIPs and media members in attendance at Thursday’s reception. President Jim Clements, Greenville Mayor Pro Tem David Sudduth and BSWA General Manager Beth Paul followed by expressing their genuine excitement that came with the formal announcement.

The group finished the press conference in a ribbon-cutting ceremony just inside the new Clemson entrance.

“This place is amazing,” Clements said. “It looks incredible. When we’re here, this is a Clemson home game. We need to give this place a true Clemson feel … and we’ve done exactly that at ‘The Well.’ Through this, we will continue to strengthen our presence and relationship with the city of Greenville.”

The city of Greenville is certainly no stranger to Clemson Athletics. For years, the ACC Baseball Tournament set up shop in Greenville. Still today, Jack Leggett’s program typically plays four games each season at Fluor Field — home to the Single-A Greenville Drive.

The facility has hosted Clemson basketball before, first in 1998-99 when Furman and Illinois played the Tigers in a pair of neutral games. The Tigers also faced Furman a year later and Georgia in 2004-05.

While men’s basketball will be displaced for a year from Littlejohn Coliseum — its home since 1968 — coach Brad Brownell and athletics officials are optimistic about bringing the Clemson brand to a wide den of Tiger fans.

“We’re excited about this partnership,” Brownell said. “We’re excited about playing in Greenville, and hopefully we can in turn attract new fans to Clemson.”

Paul said Bon Secours Wellness Arena is ecstatic about opening its arms to the men’s basketball program and Clemson Athletics community.

“We share President Clements’ enthusiasm,” she said. “We are truly honored and privileged to bring Clemson orange to Greenville. Thanks to everyone at Clemson for making this possible.”

QUOTABLESPresident Clements quotes:“I’m so excited to celebrate another great partnership between Clemson University and the city of Greenville.” “Greenville is like a second home to Clemson. And now the BSWA will become a second home for our men’s basketball team and graduation ceremonies. “This partnership adds another coat of #SolidOrange to Greenville.”  “Our presence at BSWA will have an economic impact of approximately $12.2 million in economic impact on the city of Greenville.”  “I look forward to seeing you and all of your friends here as we play at the Well.” Greenville Mayor Pro Tem David Sudduth quotes:“The bonds between Greenville and Clemson University have become even stronger.” “Thank you very much for your commitment to Greenville and your commitment to our partnership.”

NOTES ON THE CLEMSON-GREENVILLE CONNECTION

Clemson/Greenville community notes:-Nearly 3,000 current students from Greenville-1,000 of our students currently study in Greenville-More than 400 faculty/staff live in Greenville-14,000 Clemson alumni in Greenville-MBA program housed on Main Street-Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research-Center for Visual Arts-See more here: http://www.clemson.edu/orangeville/ Current athletic events in Greenville community:Baseball at Fluor FieldProwl & Growl Tour