The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
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32 ■ THE WOLFPACKER "These two renovation projects com- bined will reenergize the heart of central campus," Lipitz said. "We are creating more functionality for the building so that we can now host receptions, lecture se- ries, concerts — all of the things that made Reynolds a great multipurpose facility. It's going to open up all kinds of new doors for what we can do." The basement will remain largely un- changed after the renovation, with a weight-lifting facility, a training room, equipment room and locker rooms for women's basketball, volleyball, softball and gymnastics. The renovation will last at least 16 months, requiring women's basketball and volleyball to host their home games dur- ing the 2015-16 seasons at Broughton's Holliday Gymnasium. Gymnastics will complete mostly on the road next year and host any home events at other local venues. Wrestling will compete at Cardinal Gib- bons High School and Broughton. Many wonder if the men's basketball team will ever return to Reynolds for the annual Heritage Games that have been played there regularly since the men moved to PNC Arena in 1999. "That's always been the plan," Lipitz said. "Men's basketball has a rich tradition and heritage in Reynolds." The goal, however, is not to just create another basketball venue. The primary pur- pose is to have a place to remember the tra- dition, while also creating new memories. "Like all athletic departments, NC State is constantly building and renovating facili- ties to provide the best places for student- athletes to train and compete," Lipitz said. "This is different. It is about something much greater than just a renovation project. It will deliver a place, not just for athletics, but for students and alumni to engage and experience the history of athletics. "It doesn't exist right now. What we are creating is a place to share and add to the story for future generations to come." ■ Tim Peeler is a regular contributor to The Wolfpacker. He is also a member of the Hall of Fame Election Committee and the Reynolds Coliseum Walk of Fame and History Project Committee. He can be reached at tmpeeler@ncsu.edu. Naming Opportunities Exist The Wolfpack Club will raise $20 million of the anticipated $35 million cost to renovate and improve Reynolds Coliseum in part by offering naming rights for specific areas of the Reynolds Coliseum Walk of Fame and History Project that will be housed in the arena. The university will contribute $15 million to the project, which began in March and is expected to be com- pleted by August 2016. A gift of $5 million can name either the arena or a pavilion in the arena. $2.5 million will name the Walk of Fame and $1 million will name the Grand Hall Exhibition Area. There are four areas — the grand staircase, the hall of fame exhibition area, the grand concourse exhibition area and the historic North lobby extension area — that are available for $500,000 and eight exhibition areas are available for $250,000. Individual cases displaying NC State's history of All-American, Olympians and most of the 23 varsity sports are available for $100,000 and other display areas are available for $50,000. Gifts can be made over a 10-year period. "We are so excited about partnering with the university and athletics to help renovate such a special place to our campus, community and fans," said Wolfpack Club executive director Bobby Purcell. "With this renovation and creation of the Walk of Fame and History, this historical landmark will be preserved for the next genera- tion of Wolfpackers. "To make this vision a reality, it will take a collective effort. Please consider making a gift to this treasured facility." For additional information, contact the Wolfpack Club's Phillip Wood by email at phillip.wood@wolfpackclub.com or by phone at 919-865-1500. "Reynolds Coliseum helped create the most rabid area for fans for basketball that there is anywhere in the country." ■ The late Norm Sloan, former NC State basketball player and coach Reynolds Coliseum has been the site of speeches by multiple U.S. Presidents and countless concerts by rock icons, and the home of two national championship squads in men's basketball. PHOTO COURTESY NC STATE MEDIA RELATIONS