USC plans $125 M renovation of Carolina Coliseum

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The University of South Carolina plans to spend $125 million to renovate Carolina Coliseum. The State newspaper reported (http://bit.ly/19hdOY9) that plans call for converting the 12,000-seat arena building into classrooms and labs, another student union facility and a practice facility for the school’s basketball teams. The newspaper reported the project is included in the school’s budget request for next year being submitted to Gov. Nikki Haley. But USC says it doesn’t need the money next year. President Harris Pastides says the school is working on a feasibility study on reusing the building. Spokesman Wes Hickman says officials have not decided when they will make a formal request for the funds. The coliseum opened in 1968 and cost $8.5 million, the equivalent of $57 million today. ___ Information from: The State, http://www.thestate.com