ORANGEBURG, S.C. — Claflin University's basketball and volleyball fans will notice several upgrades when they take in their next game.
The Edward L. Tullis Arena in the Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Center has undergone many new changes over the past year.
A new scoreboard, shot clock, and scoring table were put in last year. But this semester, the arena has new court-side seating and upgraded seats in the stands. In addition, Claflin President Dwaun Warmack’s efforts for a VIP sky box were rounded off.
Tony O’Neal is the Director of Athletics at Claflin University and says the changes have an impact.
“It gives the look,” said O’Neal. “It gives the look of a nicer arena and then of course after that it’s all about the entertainment, it’s all about the sponsorships, it’s all about creating an atmosphere with the students and the fans and we are doing all that now.”
O’Neal says these improvements also help with recruiting potential student athletes.
“It will definitely help with recruiting,” said O’Neal. “The students of today they like the flash, they like the bling and the stadium fit with stadiums in our conference and throughout the country.”
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Back in September, the women’s volleyball team got a new locker room and the women’s basketball locker room is currently being renovated. Claflin University athletics will also be renovating the men’s basketball locker room in the spring.