Arena at Reynolds Coliseum to be Named After Jimmy V

In 1949, Reynolds Coliseum was opened, named after businessman and sportsman William Neal Reynolds of Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

In 2007, the basketball court in Reynolds Coliseum was named after Hall of Fame NC State Women’s Basketball Coach Kay Yow.

On December 5th, the arena at Reynolds Coliseum will be named after legendary Men’s Basketball Coach Jimmy V. It will officially be called James T. Valvano Arena. The dedication will take place prior to the annual heritage game, with the Wolfpack hosting Western Carolina.

Valvano was the coach at NC State for 10 years (1980-90), leading the Cardiac Pack to a national championship in 1983.

He also led the Wolfpack to two ACC Tournament Championships (1983 & 1987) and two ACC Regular Season Championships (1985 & 1989).

The Wolfpack advanced to the NCAA Tournament in 7 of his 10 seasons:

1 National Championship
2 Elite Eights
1 Sweet 16

“Coach Valvano captured the hearts of Wolfpack fans with his coaching success and dynamic personality,” said Director of Athletics Debbie Yow. “Thanks to a small group of NC State alums, we can further memorialize his contributions through this naming opportunity in his beloved Reynolds Coliseum.” (GoPack)

Valvano was diagnosed with metastatic adenocarcinoma in June of 1992. On February 21, 1993, Jimmy V made his final visit to the Old Barn, commemorating the 10-year anniversary of the 1983 National Championship, and he gave a speech that included his famous line “Don’t give up, don’t ever give up”, which he made famous at the first ESPY Awards that same year.

The legend passed away on April 28th that year.

You can still buy tickets to the 2018 Heritage Game here.