Furman men’s basketball will be opening its newly renovated arena in style.
The Paladins will host Alabama in an exhibition on Oct. 26 in the first game at Timmons Arena since it underwent a $40 million facelift.
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Alabama has become a national power under coach Nate Oats, making at least the Sweet 16 in four of the past five years, a stretch highlighted by the program’s first-ever Final Four in 2024. The Crimson Tide is widely projected as a preseason top-10 team for the 2025-26 season.
“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 Furman coach Bob Richey in a school release. “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.
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Meanwhile, the women’s program will host Clemson on Nov. 23.
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Last season, their first under coach Shawn Poppie, the Tigers went 14-17.
“We are honored to open the reimagined Timmons Arena with two incredible games against nationally renowned college basketball programs,” Furman athletic director Jason Donnelly said in a school release. “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.”
Renovations at Timmons Arena include a 360-degree concourse, a pair of ribbon boards, private and party suites, and additional spaces at the venue’s courtside club. The improvements were part of the Clearly Furman campaign, the largest donor-funded project in the university’s history.
Furman men’s basketball is bringing back five players with starting experience from a team that went 25-10 and lost in the championship game of the Southern Conference tournament.
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The Furman women’s team went 16-16 last season under second-year coach Pierre Curtis.
“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.”
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Furman basketball teams to host Alabama, Clemson at renovated arena
