Arena at Reynolds Coliseum Officially Dedicated as James T. Valvano Arena

In a ceremony prior to NC State's annual Heritage Game, James T. Valvano Arena was formally dedicated to the legendary Wolfpack men's basketball coach who guided the Pack to the 1983 national championship.

With the naming of the arena, Jim Valvano joins Hall of Fame women's basketball coach Kay Yow in being recognized at the historic William Neal Reynolds Coliseum.

Welcome to James T. Valvano Arena at Reynolds Coliseum! pic.twitter.com/jHWaHuQsKD
— NC State Athletics (@PackAthletics) December 6, 2018

Chancellor Dr. Randy Woodson, Director of Athletics Debbie Yow, Executive Director of the Wolfpack Club Bobby Purcell and NC State Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees Tom Cabaniss joined Ms. Pam Valvano Strasser and her daughters Nicole Valvano Donohue and Jamie Valvano on Kay Yow Court as James T. Valvano Arena was officially dedicated Wednesday night. Many Valvano-era Wolfpack basketball alumni were also in attendance to honor the life and legacy of the late Valvano.

What a special evening on campus as James T. Valvano Arena inside William Neal Reynolds Coliseum was dedicated prior to a @packmensbball victory! #GoPack #ncsu pic.twitter.com/xfFYUzfDyW
— NC State Athletics (@PackAthletics) December 6, 2018

As part of NC State's $1.6 billion Think and Do the Extraordinary campaign, a group of generous supporters of NC State Athletics joined together to honor Valvano by making a $5 million pledge to name the arena in Reynolds Coliseum. This gift will go towards the Capital campaign goals of the Wolfpack Club and support the $35 million Reynolds Coliseum renovation project.

Jim Valvano was hired as the head men's basketball coach at NC State on March 27, 1980. His 1983 squad delivered a memorable and historic run to the national title, playing under the mantra of "Survive and Advance."

In 10 seasons leading the NC State program, he guided the Wolfpack to seven NCAA Tournaments, including a pair of trips to the Elite Eight and a Sweet Sixteen appearance in addition to the 1983 national title. His squads won the 1983 and 1987 ACC titles.

The naming is a fitting tribute in a space where his teams shared so much success, turning Reynolds Coliseum into one of the most difficult venues in the nation for opposing teams. In his 10 years, his squads went 121-37 (.766) at Reynolds Coliseum.

Valvano also served as Director of Athletics at NC State from 1986-89.

In June of 1992, Valvano was diagnosed with metastatic adenocarcinoma, a glandular cancer that can spread to the bones. On February 21, 1993 he made his final visit to Reynolds Coliseum for the 10-year commemoration of the 1983 Championship and delivered an impactful speech that included the quote he is most recognized for, "Don't give up, don't ever give up."

Valvano died on April 28, 1993 at Duke University Medical Center.

Valvano Arena at Reynolds Coliseum honors the accomplishments of one of the original members of the NC State Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2012, and continues to be the home of the court named for another inaugural member, Kay Yow. Kay Yow Court at James T. Valvano Arena at William Neal Reynolds Coliseum is the home competition venue for NC State Women's Basketball, Gymnastics, Volleyball and Wrestling, and will continue to host a Men's Basketball Heritage Game each year, in addition to numerous university and special events.

Arena at Reynolds Coliseum Officially Dedicated as James T. Valvano Arena

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