Southern Miss Announces New Vision for Reed Green Coliseum
5/1/2024 12:15:00 PM | General, Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball
HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Southern Miss Director of Athletics Jeremy McClain on Wednesday announced a $35 million project intended to modernize and enhance the fan and student-athlete experience at Reed Green Coliseum.
"Today signifies a huge step in our efforts to revitalize Reed Green Coliseum for the betterment of our basketball programs and our community," McClain said. "This renovation process will reshape the future of this facility, while allowing us to work to reach our full potential in an ever-changing college athletics environment. I am incredibly grateful for the City of Hattiesburg and everyone who has supported this project."
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗺
— Southern Miss 🔝 (@USMGoldenEagles) May 1, 2024
Built on a reimagined vision and legacy rich in tradition.
🏟️ » https://t.co/XI1ozLwiOg@SouthernMissMBB x @SouthernMissWBB pic.twitter.com/0jCt2feJCK
Reed Green Coliseum has served as the home of Southern Miss men's and women's basketball since its completion in 1965. Though some minor upgrades and improvements have taken place over the years, including an addition in 2009, the arena has largely gone untouched. The new-aged vision will embrace the qualities that gives the Golden Eagles their homecourt advantage, while also modernizing systems and technology necessary for it to function as a destination venue. It will also add amenities to enrich the experiences of the student-athlete, fans, and community.
"We are excited about these significant upgrades to Reed Green Coliseum," said University President Dr. Joseph S. Paul. "These upgrades will help our basketball programs reach even greater heights while also making the facility a premier asset for our community – for entertainment events, area school events and more. We are indebted to Mayor Barker and the City's leadership team for helping to make this possible."
Below is a breakdown of what the vision includes:
- New north entrance with lobby, ticketing and arena offices
- Practice facility for men's and women's basketball
- Addition of 200 premium-loge style seats at the top of the bowl
- Addition of 625 sideline premium seats
- New arena club level with drink rails and casual seating
- Updated concessions and restrooms
- ADA accessibility improvements
The reimagined north entrance off Fourth Street will provide a new lobby, ticketing and arena offices. The change will improve accessibility into the arena and create a top-notch environment when entering into Reed Green Coliseum. The renovation will also expand the width of the concourse, add accessible seating, provide premium loge-style seating, and add new scoreboards and signage ribbons throughout the facility. The existing concession areas will open onto the concourse, and new toilets will be added along the east and west sides of the stadium.
"The vision was set in 2019 when the citizens of Hattiesburg believed in our desire to do more and voted to implement the 1% sales tax revenue split between the City of Hattiesburg's Parks and Recreation Department and the University of Southern Mississippi for the renovation of Reed Green Coliseum. This single act further elevated our ability to be a premier city in the Gulf South for recreation and entertainment," said Mayor Toby Barker. "With dozens of groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings under our belt since that time, we are proud to stand with the University today as they unveil plans to modernize a much-needed venue for our city and continue our trajectory of going after big things - and getting them."
The south side of the concourse will be expanded to become a club lounge that will enhance the game day experience. The club will house its own concessions and restrooms. It will also connect to the new basketball practice facility and have an overlooking view onto the playing surface. The area will also serve as a team lounge for players and recruits.
The addition to Reed Green Coliseum will also include a new practice gym and training facility for both basketball programs. The addition will also connect to the existing player facilities and improve access to the arena by replacing the existing ramp and service dock.
Visit REEDGREENRISING.COM for more information.