Greenville, S.C. – The Furman University and Greenville communities got their first look inside the newly renovated Timmons Arena on Monday afternoon as the facility was unveiled to the public with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house.
 
Following welcoming remarks from Furman President Elizabeth Davis and Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Jason Donnelly, the pair were joined by Rick Timmons, Susan Maddox, and Furman Board of Trustees member Cindy Davis to officially cut the ribbon and invite supporters into the facility.
 
The public was allowed to explore the building before Donnelly, head men's basketball coach Bob Richey, and head women's basketball coach Pierre Curtis addressed everyone in attendance and the men's and women's basketball teams were introduced on the new Ravenel Curry Court.
 
Home to Furman's men's and women's basketball programs since 1997, Timmons Arena underwent a $40 million, donor-funded renovation, which was completed prior to the 2025-26 season. 
 
"The renovation of Timmons Arena marks an exciting new chapter for Furman University," said Donnelly. "As the signature capital project of the Clearly Furman campaign, this reimagined facility will not only be the new home for Paladin Basketball but also a central gathering place for our entire university community. This transformation is more than just a facility upgrade—it's a bold investment in the future of Furman athletics and campus life. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, this new state-of-the-art arena will stand as a source of pride and a vibrant hub for student engagement, alumni connections, external events, and partnerships with the greater Greenville community for years to come."
 
The renovation project was led by Ken Betsch & Associates as well as Harper General Contractors. Businessman and philanthropist Ravenel B. Curry III, a 1963 Furman graduate, provided 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 partnered with Taymar and Legends to provide a first-class ticketing and game day experience as well as Bon Appetit and Athlete Advantage for innovative and unique hospitality, catering and external engagement opportunities.
 
"We are deeply grateful for the hard work and dedication of our many partners—on and off campus—who helped bring this vision to life," Donnelly said. "Their efforts have been tremendous."
 
The "new" Timmons Arena features a glass façade entrance on the front of the building leading to the new Furman Ticket Office. Entering the building, Paladin faithful are immersed in Furman athletics history in the Hall of Honor, featuring a replica basketball court, championship banners, and interactive displays developed by Dimensional Innovations that detail the history of the Paladins and the Furman Athletics Hall of Fame.
 
The existing arena structure, stripped down to bare bones, was reimagined and redesigned with a new seating bowl, created with partner Irwin Seating, including the Foster Courtside Seating Section, Spinx Student Section, club seats, and premium seating closer to the floor. A 360-degree concourse above the bowl features new concession areas, along with grab-and-go concession options. 
 
Behind the Spinx Student Section on the south end is a "student zone" to host student programming and events on game days. Timmons' north side includes one of the most innovative and unique areas inside any college basketball venue as Kraemer Design & Production teamed with The Children's Museum of the Upstate to create the "Furman Family Zone". 
 
A pair of new ribbon boards provide first-class fan engagement and corporate partnership opportunities, while the Newsom Family Suite Level provides eight private suites and two party suites for an entirely new way to experience Furman basketball and Timmons Arena. Two premium club spaces, the Ingram Courtside Club and the Herring VIP Suite, give Timmons new opportunities for game day gatherings and special events. The renovation is also highlighted by the addition of the Rogues Hospitality Deck, the perfect location to gather with friends and fellow fans to enjoy a beverage and entertains guests. Timmons Arena also features a new sound system in the arena, designed by Avant Acoustics, that will add to the fan experience. 
 
The new seating bowl and premium hospitality areas will allow Timmons Arena not only to host high-level college athletic events, but to become a first-class destination for concerts, weddings, graduations, and various other community events.
 
The $40 million project also includes new coaches' offices, team locker rooms, and film rooms for both the men's and women's basketball programs. New visiting team locker rooms, bathrooms, staff offices, a media room, fully equipped catering kitchen, operations space, and storage throughout the building has also been added as part of the investment in Furman and Paladin athletics. 
 
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