SEC Basketball

Auburn to rename basketball arena

Auburn Arena is shown in a 2010 file photo. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

AUBURN, Ala. — Auburn will rename its basketball arena in honor of a couple who made the largest single gift to the athletics program.

Auburn Arena will become Neville Arena at the end of the regular season for the top-ranked Tigers during a dedication ceremony on March 4. There will be an on-court recognition during the finale against South Carolina the following day.

The 9,121-seat arena opened in 2010. It will be named after Bill and Connie Neville, a change approved by the Board of Trustees.

Bill’s father and grandparents graduated from Auburn. The university did not disclose the amount of the donation.

Trustees also approved plans for a new practice facility and gave final funding approval for renovations to the women’s locker room.

Auburn (22-1, 10-0 SEC) is scheduled to play at Arkansas on Tuesday.