GREENVILLE, S.C. -- The 2025–26 academic year represents a defining chapter in the history of Furman University, highlighted by the grand opening of the reimagined Timmons Arena as part of the Clearly Furman campaign. Since the official ribbon-cutting in August, Paladin Athletics has seen a wave of momentum, delivering enhanced experiences for student-athletes and fans while leaving a meaningful, lasting mark on campus and the greater community.

As the showcase home of Paladin Basketball, one of the nation's top mid-major men's and women's programs, the reimagined Timmons Arena opened with a surge of energy, highlighted by a sold-out men's exhibition against Alabama, a women's game versus Clemson, and six additional men's sellouts that established it as a premier game-day venue.

Complementing the move into the showcase facility, the 2025-2026 season delivered strong results for both programs. Furman men's basketball posted a 22-13 record, capturing the Southern Conference Tournament championship and earning its second NCAA Tournament appearance in the past four years. Women's basketball continued its upward trajectory with an 18-13 record and a semifinal run in the Southern Conference Tournament. Both programs look ahead to next season with high expectations.

The tangible impact of the new Timmons Arena is reflected across multiple key areas, including a 38 percent year over year increase in season ticket sales, surpassing 1,000 season tickets for the first time in program history. Additionally, total annual revenue has continued its strong upward trajectory, increasing 369 percent over the last four years. Other key indicators reinforce this growth, including improved sell-through rates, elevated single-game ticket sales, a greater number of sellouts, and rising concession revenue. Student attendance has also grown significantly, contributing to a stronger home court environment for the Furman Paladins.

In total, basketball events have served nearly 34,000 fans, further underscoring the enhanced game day experience and expanded community engagement. These outcomes are supported by strategic partnership and ticketing expertise from Taymar Sales U., helping drive sustained growth across attendance, revenue, and overall fan experience.

National television exposure has become a defining feature of the Furman Paladins men's basketball program, expanding the University's reach and highlighting excellence across academics, athletics, and community engagement. From multiple appearances on ESPN2, CBS Sports Network, and ESPNU to postseason broadcasts of the Southern Conference Championship on ESPN and the First Round of the NCAA Tournament on TBS, the program continues to deliver a national stage presence.

Central to the increases in ticket sales and revenue was the introduction of a wide range of premium and fan-focused offerings. New experiences such as Foster Courtside Seating, the Newsom Family Suites, the Herring VIP Suite, the Rogues Hospitality Deck, the Ingram Courtside Club, The Children's Museum of the Upstate Kid Zone, the Spinx Student Zone, and the Ultra Club have elevated the game-day atmosphere while providing unique engagement opportunities for fans, donors, and families alike. In addition, Pelham Plaza, the Abby Kennedy Holt Box Office, and the Davis Hall of Honor featuring the interactive Furman Athletics Hall of Fame have created a first-class arrival experience for Furman mainstays and visiting guests. These enhancements reflect the generosity of donors who supported the $40 million dollar renovation of Timmons Arena.

Off the court, the new Timmons Arena has significantly strengthened Furman Athletics' long-standing commitment to community engagement through partnerships with local nonprofit organizations and community groups. Nearly 1,000 complimentary tickets were distributed to individuals and families, offering the opportunity to experience Furman Basketball from within the student section during the holiday break. Additional outreach has included collaborations with the Greenville Drive and Greenville Triumph, further deepening ties within the Upstate community. Furman corporate sponsorships have also experienced record-breaking growth and impact, supported by the department's partnership with Van Wagner.

In addition to serving as the home of basketball, Timmons Arena has become a hub for community engagement, hosting events such as Furman Forward, the Bicentennial celebration, intramural activities, club volleyball events, retirement receptions, alumni receptions, holiday parties, and programming for other Furman athletic teams.

This week alone, Furman Athletics is excited to host university-wide events such as Furman Engaged and the Bell Tower Ball. Camps, conferences, and graduations will also take place throughout the summer, in addition to the day-to-day activities of the basketball programs.  Beginning this fall, Timmons Arena will further expand its role within Furman Athletics as it becomes the home venue for Paladin Volleyball matches, demonstrating its versatility as a premier event space.

The momentum created by the opening of Timmons Arena is expected to continue throughout the summer with concerts and additional outside events, further strengthening its role as a community hub. Event updates will be shared with season ticket holders, Furman Athletics Fund donors, and corporate partners.
 
At its heart, Timmons Arena is more than a venue. It is a home for student athletes, alumni, and fans alike, where moments of joy, pride, and connection continue to define what it means to be part of Furman.

For questions about hosting events, please contact Hannah Hollander, Events Coordinator for Athletic Facilities, at Hannah.Hollander3@Furman.edu.

For question about season tickets, please contact the Furman Athletics Ticket Office at tickets@furman.edu.