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After serving the University of Mount Olive community for more than four decades, the George and Annie Dale Kornegay Arena is set to undergo a significant upgrade, beginning with the replacement of its original bleachers.
“This is a major upgrade,” said Joey Higginbotham, UMO athletics director. “It gives us a safe environment with the comfort fans deserve and elevates the atmosphere for high-level Division II athletics.”
The first phase, set to begin in December, will involve replacing the arena’s original 1984 bleachers with modern stadium-style chairback seating. The bleacher replacement is expected to be completed by January 2026.
Higginbotham noted that these visual and functional upgrades will greatly influence how the University is perceived by prospective student-athletes and the broader community.
“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.”
The legacy of the Kornegay Arena is deeply intertwined with the University’s identity. The facility has witnessed generations of students walking across its stage, athletes rising through its ranks, and families gathering to celebrate. With this new phase of investment and modernization, the arena is being reimagined for the future.
University President H. Edward Croom expressed gratitude for the Charles A. Cannon Charitable Trust No. One’s $250,000 grant, emphasizing that such partnerships help the University fulfill its commitments to current and future generations.
“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,” said Croom.
