Bruce Pearl says re-named Neville Arena may wait ‘a whole 24 hours’ before first title
By Keith Farner
Published:
Bruce Pearl and Auburn men’s basketball players were on hand on Friday for the dedication of Auburn Arena being re-named as Neville Arena, after the university in recent weeks announced that it had received a “transformational” donation from Bill and Connie Neville.
Pearl spoke on behalf of every program and event set to hold events in the building, and said that all of those Auburn coaches and players are grateful.
“I’m sorry it’s going to take a whole 24 hours before we win you a championship,” Pearl started. “And it might take less than that because gymnastics has a chance tonight. That’s pretty special to have your name on an arena for like a day or 2 and all of a sudden we’ve got a chance to win a couple of championships.”
The building re-naming and facility upgrade came after Pearl signing a new eight-year contract worth a total of $50.2 million. Auburn also plans to recognize the Nevilles on the court on Saturday during the men’s basketball team’s regular-season finale against South Carolina.
Bruce Pearl speaking at the event for the naming of Neville Arena.
He starts with an apology to Bill and Connie Neville: “I’m sorry it’s going to take a whole 24 hours before we win you a championship.” pic.twitter.com/J9AZMuNMma
— Justin Lee (@ByJustinLee) March 4, 2022
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
