Before the final home game of Auburn basketball’s season, Auburn Arena will be officially renamed Neville Arena to honor Bill and Connie Neville for giving “the single largest gift in Auburn Athletics history.” The Board of Trustees approved the name change on Friday.
While there’s no doubt that the generosity of the Nevilles will do wonders for the Auburn basketball program, the name change arguably could not come at a worse time. Tiger fans are currently furious with the Auburn BoT for working to force Auburn football head coach Bryan Harsin out, and people are experiencing first-hand what kind of power you can get at Auburn University if you have enough money.
Auburn basketball is in the midst of a historic season, earning their first #1 ranking in the AP Poll in history and remaining at the top for 3 weeks with only one loss early in the season. Much of the program’s success has been credited to coach Bruce Pearl, who just signed on for eight more years on the Plains.
No one is complaining about money being donated to benefit the growing basketball program, and everyone is grateful that there are people who are willing to invest in the success of Auburn Athletics, but many are surprised that the Arena isn’t being named after possibly the most-loved basketball coach of all time on the Plains.
*Auburn currently having a problem with fans hating and having no faith in the BoT*
— Drew (@FadegodDrew) February 8, 2022
Also Auburn: We just named the Auburn Arena after some people who paid us a lot of money.
The 20 million dollar donation is fantastic but I’ll miss calling it Auburn Arena 😢 https://t.co/UD9HjDKCi6
— Kerrigan (@KerriJMack) February 8, 2022
These boosters aren't even Auburn Alumn. Name the new practice facility after them not the main Arena. You've got so many potential names. Barkley Arena, Pearl Arena, etc.
— Lecil 🦚 (@LecilB) February 8, 2022
We name the football field and stadium after former coaches and players but not the basketball arena? https://t.co/ZzVakpbsYM
Again, no one is ungrateful for the generosity of the Nevilles, but are the athletes and coaches who put effort into building up the program not more deserving of a namesake venue?