The Civic Center has a brand new basketball floor that has a rich history and will reflect the proud tradition of West Virginia’s coal miners everywhere. The new court is 120 feet by 60 feet and is constructed of First Grade Northern Hard Maple and was used in the last two NCAA Final Four Women’s Basketball Tournament held in Indianapolis in 2011 and San Antonio in 2010. It was refurbished by Connor Sports Floors of Chattanooga, Tennessee and installed yesterday. The first game to be played on this new court will be this coming Tuesday when West Virginia hosts Morehead State.
The floor features a very distinctive, yet familiar, design that is symbolic of the relationship between the State of West Virginia and coal mining. The floor features a black perimeter and large orange outline of our state with the silhouettes of three coal miners.
“Friends of Coal is proud to join with the Charleston Civic Center which plays such a central role in our state by hosting events such as the state high school basketball tournament and the state cheerleading competition, as well as the annual WVU v. Marshall contest and a host of other events” said Bill Raney, President of the West Virginia Coal Association, which includes the Friends of Coal.
Raney continued, “West Virginia coal miners and coal mine managers are the best in the world and our people wanted to step forward with a beautiful floor and a design that pays proper tribute to all those who have had a role in making West Virginia a world leader in coal production through the years and the important role it plays in our everyday life.”
West Virginia’s coal mining families are the backbone of this State and its economy,” Raney said, “and when they see this new floor we hope they will as proud of it as we are of them.”
John D. Robertson, Charleston Civic Center General Manager, says the facility’s board of directors and management team appreciate the support Friends of Coal has provided through the years and are excited to show off this magnificent new addition. The new floor will play a significant role in the many basketball tournament and other events hosted in the facility. He further stated, “The Friends of Coal sponsorship will span ten years providing for appropriate maintenance and care of the floor.”
Donations from member companies made the new floor possible.