Littlejohn Coliseum Slated to Open January 5

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CLEMSON - Littlejohn Coliseum, while not completely finished,

will be open for business on Jan. 5, when the Clemson University

men's basketball team hosts Duke University, assuming all continues

to go as expected between now and then.

"Provided the contractor meets his obligations and remaining

system tests are successful, Littlejohn will be fully capable of

housing a sell-out basketball game on January 5," said Chief

Facilities Officer Bob Wells. To date, the facility has passed all

major safety and accessibility tests.

The 36-year-old coliseum is undergoing a $31 million

renovation to add an annex, improve sight lines, enhance facilities

for fans and replace the roof. Although landscaping and site work are

still under way, and some areas will not be ready for use, university

officials expect visitors to see a marked improvement.

"Even though we still have work to do, the facility will

offer better viewing, more convenience facilities, and an overall

better experience for fans," Wells said.

Ticket holders arriving for the 8 p.m. game can expect to

find adequate parking, paved or gravel sidewalks, and temporary

exterior lighting at walkways, along with construction fences.

Inside, they will see wider concourses, a more open roofline, a

refurbished scoreboard and game lighting system, and more restrooms

and concessions stands. They also will see a mix of old and new

seating, old and new signage and the same playing floor that has been

used in the Anderson Civic Center for the early season games.

Since not all exits lead to sidewalks, guests are encouraged

to leave by the same door they enter.After the 2003 basketball

season, the remaining new seating and signage will be installed. By

fall, concession stands, painting, permanent exterior lighting, and

landscaping will be completed, and a new permanent basketball floor

will be installed. Except for the new floor, the facility should be

completed by May, in time for Clemson's graduation ceremonies.

"In the meantime, fans attending games throughout the rest of

the season will have a chance to see the transformation as it takes

place," Wells said.

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