Take the best seat in the house for this thrilling history that's so
much more than the story of a building: discover the triumphs, the
tears, and the tenacity of North Carolina sports and its legends.
For more than half a century, William Neal Reynolds Coliseum was at the
forefront of college basketball. When filled to capacity, 12,000 fans
joined together to create the noise and heat that defined game night.
Indeed, Reynolds Coliseum brought big-time basketball to the South. Most
area residents know Reynolds as home to the popular Dixie Classic
basketball tournament and the North Carolina State University's Wolfpack
championship sports teams. Surprisingly, this building was not
constructed specifically for basketball. Like the state of North
Carolina, the coliseum's origins grew from agriculture, and it was
significantly shaped by the impact of World War II. As home to the
long-standing Friends of the College series, the coliseum helped extend
cultural events to the general public by promoting seven shows for seven
dollars. It has hosted presidents and protesters, circuses and
symphonies, tractor demonstrations and rock concerts. And yes, for one
ten-year stretch, more people watched college basketball games in
Reynolds Coliseum than in any other campus arena in America. This volume
captures more than 50 years of North Carolina history from the best seat
in the house, highlighting the people and events that shaped the
building as much as any architect's pencil.
