$250,000 Charles A. Cannon Charitable Trust No. One Grant to Support UMO Kornegay Arena Renovations

The University of Mount Olive has received a major boost in its ongoing effort to modernize the George and Annie Dale Kornegay Arena, thanks to a generous $250,000 grant from the Charles A. Cannon Charitable Trust No. One. The funding will support the Kornegay Arena bleacher project, set to begin later this year.

Originally opened in January 1984 as College Hall, Kornegay Arena has long stood as a centerpiece for Trojan athletics and campus life. Now, four decades later, the facility is poised for a transformational facelift to enhance game-day experiences, elevate recruitment efforts, and honor the rich tradition of UMO Athletics.

The first phase of renovations, scheduled to commence in December 2025, will focus on replacing the original bleachers with modern, stadium-style chairback seating. The upgraded configuration will extend from the court level to the upper deck, providing fans with greater comfort, improved accessibility, and a more dynamic viewing experience.

“This is a major upgrade,” said Athletics Director Joey Higginbotham. “It gives us a safe environment with the comfort fans deserve and elevates the atmosphere for high-level Division II athletics.”

Along with enhancing aesthetics and safety, the renovations play a strategic role in recruiting student-athletes. “It will be the first thing recruits see when they visit campus,” Higginbotham added. “It creates a ‘wow factor’ and positions us as having one of the top facilities in Conference Carolinas.”

University President Dr. H. Edward Croom expressed his appreciation to the Charles A. Cannon Charitable Trust No. One for its partnership in advancing the University’s vision. “We are extremely grateful to Charles A. Cannon Charitable Trust No. One for their generous investment in the future of our University and our students,” Croom said. “This project reflects our continued commitment to enhancing the student experience and ensuring that Mount Olive remains a destination of choice for students, athletes, and the broader community.”

The Kornegay Arena upgrades are part of a broader initiative to modernize and expand campus facilities. Over the past year, the University has invested more than $1 million to install a new HVAC system, further enhancing the arena’s functionality and comfort.

Kornegay Arena is far more than just a home for Trojan Athletics. The multi-purpose venue hosts university commencements, area high school graduations, regional business conferences, civic meetings, career fairs, fundraising events, and numerous community gatherings. As one of the largest indoor spaces in the region, it plays a vital role in bringing people together and fostering meaningful connections throughout eastern North Carolina.

The installation of the new bleachers is scheduled to be completed before January 2026