Men’s basketball players Bruce Pearl and Auburn were on hand Friday for the grand opening of the renamed Auburn Arena, Neville Arena, after the university announced in recent weeks that it had received a “transformational” donation from Bill and Connie Neville.
Pearl spoke on behalf of every program and event scheduled to hold events in the building, and said all of those Auburn coaches and players are grateful.
“I’m sorry it’s been a whole 24 hours before we win you a championship,” Pearl began. “And it might take less than that because gymnastics has a chance tonight. It’s pretty special to have your name on an arena for a day or two and all of a sudden we have a chance to win some championships.
The building’s renaming and facility upgrade came after Pearl signed a new eight-year contract worth a total of $50.2 million. Auburn also plans to recognize the Nevilles on the court Saturday in the men’s basketball regular season finale against South Carolina.
Bruce Pearl speaking at the Neville Arena nomination event.
He begins by apologizing to Bill and Connie Neville: “I’m sorry, it’s going to be a whole 24 hours before we win you a championship.” pic.twitter.com/J9AZMuNMma
— Justin Lee (@ByJustinLee) March 4, 2022