Ole Miss Coach Chris Beard Wants Throwback Game at Historic 'Tad Pad'
The Ole Miss basketball programs moved into the Pavilion at Ole Miss in January 2016. Prior to that, the teams played at C.M. "Tad" Smith Coliseum beginning in 1966. Fans affectionately referred to it as the "Tad Pad."
It holds fond memories for generations of Rebels through the years, and Rebels men's baseball coach Chris Beard wants those fans and alumni to relive some of those memories, if only for one game.
Beard spoke with Jon Rothstein on the College Hoops Today podcast and indicated he'd like to hold a throwback game at the famed Tad Pad next season.
"The Tad Pad is what they call it here," Beard said. "It's still on campus, so we're doing everything we can to try to get a throwback game in that gym this year."
Beard has had success in the past with throwback games at previous coaching stops at Texas, Texas Tech, and Little Rock.
"I think this first schedule's going to be really good," Beard said. "We're going to test ourselves in a lot of ways. (We) also have a great responsibility to get some quality home games for our fanbase. We're excited about our schedule and I think over time we'll build it to where it's one of the best in the country."
The Rebels men's program closed out the Tad Pad with a win, beating Troy in overtime in December 2015.
The building opened prior to the 1965–1966 season as Rebel Coliseum but was renamed on March 25, 1972, to honor C. M. "Tad" Smith, former three-sport letterman, coach, and athletic director at the university.
Prior to the building of the Coliseum, the team played in Old Gym - now the Martindale Student Services Center - a 2,500-seat gym built in 1929.
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