Naming rights at NC State's Reynolds Coliseum to include Jim Valvano
Posted November 14, 2018 2:12 p.m. EST
Updated November 14, 2018 4:56 p.m. EST
Raleigh, N.C. — Jim Valvano and Kay Yow became North Carolina State legends at Reynolds Coliseum. Now, the venue will include the names of both basketball coaching icons.
The school announced Wednesday the arena inside Reynolds Coliseum will be named James T. Valvano Arena. A dedication ceremony will take place on December 5 before the Wolfpack's annual Heritage Game at Reynolds.
"Coach Valvano captured the hearts of Wolfpack fans with his coaching success and dynamic personality," said Director of Athletics Debbie Yow in the school's press release. "Thanks to a small group of NC State alums, we can further memorialize his contributions through this naming opportunity in his beloved Reynolds Coliseum."
The school said a group of donors pledged $5 million to name the arena for Valvano. That money will go toward the Wolfpack Club's $35 million renovation project at Reynolds Coliseum.
Valvano coached the NC State men's basketball program from 1980 to 1990 and led the Wolfpack to a national title in 1983 and ACC Tournament titles in 1983 and 1987. He also served as the school's Director of Athletics from 1986 to 1989. The university fired Valvano in 1990.
In February of 1993, Valvano gave his famous "Never give up" speech at Reynolds before dying from cancer two months later.
The Reynolds Coliseum basketball court continues to bear the name of former women's basketball coach Kay Yow and will be formally known as Kay Yow Court at James T. Valvano Arena at William Neal Reynolds Coliseum.
