In preparation for the upcoming basketball season, the athletic administration at UNC-Wilmington has revamped Trask Coliseum’s gymnasium in hopes of promoting fan support and providing a livelier atmosphere for spectators.

The $2 million renovation has provided several upgrades to the UNCW basketball teams’ home court. New floors have been installed and a massive 21×15 foot video board has been hung above center court. The video board displays a 17×10 LED screen that will be used for replays and advertising. Making the advancement of Trask Coliseum even more significant is that all of the funds for the process came from private sources, donors and corporate sponsors. This shows Wilmington citizens want to see the basketball teams of UNCW succeed and are joining in the cause to see that come to fruition.

While the new arena will still primarily serve as the home court for the UNCW basketball teams, UNCW’s athletic director Jimmy Bass envisions that the stadium will be multi-dimensional and have a purpose for the entire city of Wilmington. “All of the additions will serve to make Trask a more functional facility,” Bass said. “The renovations were not made just for basketball, but for future commencement ceremonies, Azalea Festival events, concerts, convocations and meetings.”

Most significant to the Seahawk family, however, is that the stadium will provide a breath of new life into home basketball games. Advancing fan support of arguably UNCW’s most popular sport was one of the main reasons the athletic department chose to improve Trask Coliseum. Asked what he hoped the final result from all of the additions would be, Bass said: “to make Trask a greater home court advantage for both UNCW basketball programs while providing the greater Wilmington community with a first class venue on the UNCW campus to host future events in.”

School spirit and student involvement are crucial to the success of a university as a whole. No college will be respected if its students are not enjoying themselves and taking advantage of their tenure there. With the renovations to Trask Coliseum, the athletic department aims to make sure the fan base for Seahawk basketball continues growing with a place the entire Wilmington community can be proud of.