What will happen to Beard-Eaves?

By Chris Sweigart

Auburn University may be on the brink of building a $92.5 million, 9,600-seat arena that would be the future home to its men’s and women’s basketball teams, but another question remains: what should happen to the existing Beard-Eaves-Memorial Coliseum?

It may cost thousands, or millions, to tear the old coliseum down. Perhaps it would be best to keep the old building around for a while. It’s home to several classrooms and offices. It’s 1/5-mile running track along the concourse is popular among locals.

But should Beard-Eaves meet its demise, I can’t help but wonder how many parking spaces could be created in its absence. Parking is a premium.

There are many pluses and minuses to consider here and I’d hope university officials weigh them all.