The C.M. Tad Smith Coliseum will open its doors to spectators for the last time Sunday, Jan. 3. As the Ole Miss women’s basketball team begins its 2016 Southeastern Conferences schedule and the $95-million-dollar Pavilion at Ole Miss prepares for its grand opening, the building affectionately known as the “Tad Pad” will host its last game just a month shy of its 50-year anniversary.
In 1964, when the University broke ground on its new basketball stadium, the Ole Miss football team started the season ranked No. 1 in the country. Georgia Tech was playing its first season outside the SEC.