CLEVELAND, Miss. – As the 2026-27 basketball season approaches, Delta State University Athletics is preparing to welcome fans back to Walter Sillers Coliseum as renovations continue throughout the facility. The ongoing project will bring modern updates, improved accessibility and enhanced amenities for student-athletes, coaches and fans.
Renovations include improvements to public restrooms, concourse areas, locker rooms, coaches' offices and other spaces throughout the coliseum. Updates feature new ceilings, wall finishes, modern color schemes and plumbing fixtures, along with upgrades to the facility's fire suppression system to meet current code requirements. Additionally, the main lobby will feature glass-enclosed trophy displays highlighting Delta State's Basketball accomplishments.
What Fans Can Expect This Season
While renovations are ongoing, Delta State Athletics is working to ensure fans can continue to enjoy basketball games with minimal disruptions.
Admission procedures will remain unchanged. Fans purchasing tickets will continue to enter on the east side of the coliseum, while will-call tickets and pass-list admissions will remain on the west side.
Concessions will also remain in their usual location, operating from temporary tables throughout the season.
Temporary restroom facilities will be available outside the west side of Walter Sillers Coliseum when the season begins. A restroom designated for individuals with disabilities will remain available on the first floor, while all other fans will be directed to use the temporary restroom facilities. Renovations to the indoor public restrooms, are ongoing, with the goal of reopening these facilities before the conclusion of basketball season.
Floor-level accessible seating will remain available as it has in previous seasons.
Fans may notice ongoing construction around the exterior of the building throughout the season; however, parking arrangements will remain unchanged.
The basketball court and stage will remain unchanged, and all areas available to fans will be cleaned and prepared ahead of the season.
Additional Improvements Planned
Following the conclusion of basketball season, construction crews will return to interior renovations as work continues on the coliseum's transformation.
Renovation and expansion of the Margaret Wade Room will provide an updated space for group gatherings, alumni reunions and special events. The renovated space will offer views of the basketball court from the second floor and access from the lower level. Future improvements will include elevator access to the second floor, providing additional accessible seating options for fans.
Additional construction planned for next summer includes a new east-side entrance, elevator access to the second floor and a new exterior staircase providing direct access to the upper level of the coliseum.
Delta State Athletics looks forward to welcoming Statesmen and Lady Statesmen basketball fans back to Walter Sillers Coliseum for the 2026-27 season as progress continues on these facility upgrades.
