Timmons Arena |
Furman University and its basketball programs entered a new era in 1998 with the opening of Timmons Arena, the school’s on-campus, multi-purpose facility. The 100,000 square-foot arena, which seats 2,500 people for basketball and 6,000 for concerts and other school and community activities, currently serves as the home of the university’s men’s and women’s basketball programs. In addition to featuring two regulation-size basketball courts, the facility includes offices, recently renovated locker room facilities, offices for sports information, a complete sports medicine facility, and a 7,000 square-foot strength and conditioning center that serves the university’s entire 20-sport intercollegiate athletics program. Arena seating is chair-back style and is collapsible to allow the available floor space to be used for a variety of activities. The facility also boasts two state-of-the-art 26' x 10' videoboards, which were dedicated in honor of former Paladin great Frank Selvy prior to the 2018-19 season. The lead gift of $4 million for the facility was provided by longtime Furman supporters William R. Timmons, Jr. ‘49, Jean Timmons Pelham ‘42, and Charlie and Kitty Wells ‘48 Timmons. Bill, Jean, and Charlie are children of the late William R. Timmons ‘14. At the time of facility dedication, Bill Timmons, chairman of Greenville’s Canal Insurance Company, longtime university trustee, and recipient of an honorary degree from Furman, recalled that his family’s association with the university dated back from his father’s enrollment in 1910. His father’s brother, Charles Edward Timmons, Jr., also attended Furman before volunteering for World War I, during which he was killed in action. The construction of Timmons Arena eased overcrowding in Alley Gymnasium and in the Herman W. Lay Physical Activities Center (PAC), which currently serves as the home of the department of health and exercise science, student recreational and intramural sports, and fitness center. The decision to move forward with the arena was driven by the closing of Memorial Auditorium, the downtown Greenville facility that served as Furman’s basketball home for 38 years. Located just southeast of the home stands at Paladin Stadium, Timmons Arena features a main entrance and wings made of brick, with the rear constructed of split face block and insulated metal panels. Stanmar Inc. of Stanbury, Mass., which specializes in constructing athletic facilities, was the designer and builder at a cost of $10.9 million. |
Alley Gymnasium |
In the fall of 2005 Furman volleyball became the first Southern Conference program to begin play in a volleyball-specific complex when it moved its home court from Timmons Arena into Alley Gymnasium. Prior to the squad’s permanent move into the facility in 2005, the gym floor was stripped, repainted, and sealed in a volleyball specific design. In addition, the ceiling was replaced and new scoreboard, strobe lighting, and wireless internet hub installed. Seating for 500 was also provided. In 2007, air conditioning was added to the court area to make the facility even more fan friendly. Originally constructed in 1958, Alley Gymnasium was used as a practice facility for all athletic teams over the years. It is named for former Furman basketball coach and athletics director Lyles Alley, who headed up the Paladin basketball program for over 20 years and coached All-America Furman performers Frank Selvy and Darrell Floyd, among others. |
The PAC |
The Herman W. Lay Physical Activities Center, or PAC, is the hub of student fitness and recreational programs and activities. It is home to dozens of aerobic and weightlifting machines and has a basketball court, dance studio, and swimming pool. Our 12,000 square-foot gymnasium features one main basketball court and two cross-courts. |
Furman Dining Hall |
A hub for healthy eating, our main dining hall offers a rotating menu of made-from-scratch cuisine, including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. Taste your way through our dynamic menus featuring international cuisines to classic comfort foods all made with the freshest, seasonal ingredients. |
Timmons Arena is Open
as of 12:58 PM on Thursday, February 9, 2023
3300 Poinsett Hwy
Greenville, SC 29613