GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Furman Athletics and Van Wagner announced today a new partnership with The Children's Museum of the Upstate (TCMU).

"We are thrilled to partner with Furman Athletics on the TCMU Children's Zone at Timmons Arena," said Lauren Luneckas, CEO of The Children's Museum of the Upstate. "Intentional and inclusive play is at the heart of our mission, and it's incredibly unique to see a university prioritize families so thoughtfully in arena design. We are proud to support this effort and can't wait to see little Paladins learn and play here for seasons to come!"

The TCMU Children's Zone is among a host of attractive features included in the new Timmons Arena, which underwent a $40 million renovation project to turn the facility into one of the premier mid-major college basketball venues in the country. The renovation project, led by Ken Betsch & Associates and Harper General Contractors, was donor-funded with businessman and philanthropist Ravenel B. Curry III, a 1963 Furman graduate, providing the lead gift of $10 million to spearhead the project that was also generously supported by the Timmons and Pelham families in honor of their family's original commitment to the arena in 1997.

Furman hosts nationally-ranked Alabama in the opening event at Timmons Arena on October 26.

About The Children's Museum of the Upstate
The Children's Museum of the Upstate (TCMU) is one of the largest children's museums in the United States and the first to become a Smithsonian Affiliate. With locations in Greenville and Spartanburg, TCMU serves children and families through immersive exhibits and hands-on learning experiences that ignite a lifelong love of play, learning, and discovery. Learn more at tcmupstate.org. 

About Furman Athletics
Furman's NCAA Division I athletics program, comprised of 19 varsity programs and over 350 student-athletes, is nationally recognized for excellence. A member of the Southern Conference since 1936, Furman has claimed 251 league team championships and made 135 appearances in NCAA Tournament competition. Among the university's 178 All-Americans are basketball's Frank Selvy, soccer's Clint Dempsey, golf's Brad Faxon, Dottie Pepper, and LPGA Hall of Famers Betsy King and Beth Daniel.

About Van Wagner
Van Wagner is a wholly owned subsidiary of Van Wagner Group LLC that creates, advises, and sells on behalf of world-class teams, leagues, brands, properties, and colleges. An innovator in the sports and media business, Van Wagner is a global leader in high-impact broadcast visible signage throughout the MLB, NBA, NCAA, and the highest levels of international soccer, sponsorship sales, premium ticketing, college multi-media rights, and in-venue content production at the world's biggest sporting events.