Auburn Men's Basketball Closes Out Coliseum With Win Over MSU

Beard-Eaves Coliseum went out in style last Wednesday, March 3, closing after 41 years, as the Auburn men's basketball team celebrated an 89-80 victory over Mississippi State. The majority of the game’s points-78 to be exact- belongs to Brendon Knox, Tay Waller, Lucas Hargrove and DeWayne Reed, all seniors. Senior Night was in full effect as Waller led the team with 22 points and Knox was one free throw short of his career record. Almost 10,000 fans were there to witness these feats and to take part in the closing of the coliseum.


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Beard-Eaves has held hundreds of graduations, basketball games- both college and some NBA- and gymnastics and track meets. The coliseum has also been host to off-broadway plays and many concerts over the years. Some of the highlights include Elvis Presley, the Allman Brothers, Rolling Stones, Ben Harper and Akon.

With 243,000 square feet and a cost of over $85 million dollars, the new arena that will replace Beard-Eaves has been under construction since 2008, after the project was approved the previous summer.

Although the new arena has been criticized for being smaller and having fewer seats than Beard-Eaves, the intimate setting will allow fans to get closer to the court. This close proximity will not only result in a more enjoyable experience for those in attendance, but should also prove to be more daunting for the competition.

“I’m pumped about the new arena,” Kelly said. “It is supposed to be really nice.”

In addition to a practice area with two different basketball courts, the new arena will feature a special student-section including ground seats and their own entrance and lobby. Inside the lobby, students can enjoy a dining area with televisions, student-only bathrooms and a concession stand. The new amenities should make this arena more student-friendly.

“I went to several of the games this year, but I usually make it to the bigger ones,” said Marshall Kelly. “I like going to the games during the week, especially on Wednesdays, because I feel like they’re more Auburn-focused.”

After the clock counted down the final game at the coliseum, Hargrove threw the game ball into the stands in a flurry of excitement. After the game, a closing ceremony honored Beard-Eaves.

“The guy who made the first basket at Beard-Eaves replicated the shot and the crowd went wild,” said Kelly.

Pieces of the net were also distributed after it had been cut and an upset victory only added to the buzz surrounding the evening.

Like Kelly said, “it’s good to go out on a win.”