Greenville, S.C. – The Furman men's basketball team will open the newly renovated Timmons Arena with an exhibition game versus Alabama on Sunday, October 26, and the Paladin women's basketball team will entertain Clemson on Sunday, November 23.  
 
The men's game versus Alabama, which is part of a full slate of activities scheduled for Furman's homecoming weekend, will be the inaugural game in the $40 million donor-funded Timmons Arena. The renovated Timmons features a new 360-degree concourse, a pair of ribbon boards, private and party suites, plus two premium club spaces in the Ingram Courtside Club and the Herring VIP Suite, plus the Rogues Hospitality Deck. 
 
"We are honored to open the reimagined Timmons Arena with two incredible games against nationally renowned college basketball programs," said Jason Donnelly, Furman's vice president for intercollegiate athletics. "We are grateful to Alabama and Clemson for joining us to celebrate this historic occasion for our men's and women's basketball programs and for our university. The game days will be electric, and we look forward to experiencing the Paladin spirit and recognizing the generosity of the donors who made this possible."
 
The Paladin men return five players with starting experience from a 2024-25 squad that posted a 25-10 record, reached the finals of the Southern Conference Men's Basketball Championship, and received an at-large bid to the NIT.
 
Alabama recorded a 28-9 mark last season and reached the NCAA Elite Eight.  In 2024, the Crimson Tide fell to defending national champion UConn in the NCAA Final Four. 
 
"There is a lot of anticipation around the reopening of Timmons Arena, and the opportunity to play a national power like Alabama certainly brings a lot excitement to the table," said Paladin head coach Bob Richey. "We want fans and the city of Greenville to enjoy a first-class experience at Timmons Arena while helping us create one of the best homecourt advantages in the country. You don't want to miss out on the opportunity to see two great teams compete at a high level, in a brand-new arena, so get your tickets now!"
 
The Furman women's team posted a 16-16 record this past year under head coach Pierre Curtis, in his second season in charge of the Paladin program.  Two starters return, including Clare Coyle, who was vote to the 2025 SoCon All-Freshman Team. 
 
Under first year head coach and former Furman assistant coach Shawn Poppie, Clemson went 14-17 during the 2024-25 season, including 6-12 in ACC play. The Tigers return four of their top five scorers, led by senior guard Mia Moore.
 
"I'm thrilled our players get to be part of a moment like this — competing against Clemson in front of our home crowd in the new Timmons Arena is something they'll never forget," said Curtis. "This game is about more than just basketball — it's a celebration of how far we've come and the people who've helped us get here.  From our loyal fans and students to our alumni and generous donors, this moment belongs to all of us.  We can't wait to feel that energy and make it a night full of pride and Paladin spirit."
 
The game versus Alabama is included in the 2025-26 season ticket holder packages and fans can secure their season tickets online today by clicking HERE. Men's basketball season ticket holders have a general admission ticket to all women's basketball games except the Clemson game. Click HERE to fill out the Furman basketball season ticket interest form. 
 
Single game tickets will go on sale to the public in the future. For priority on single game tickets for the Alabama exhibition, please fill out the form HERE. For priority on single game tickets for the Clemson game, please fill out the form HERE.
 
Furman student tickets for the Alabama exhibition game can be claimed HERE, and student tickets for Clemson are available HERE. Tickets will be limited, but Furman athletics will make every effort to accommodate requests from students. In the event we cannot, we will have a lottery. Deadline to put in your claim is September 15. 
 
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