Hope Gas secures Coliseum naming rights in historic partnership
For the first time in its 55-year history, the WVU Coliseum has a new name.
West Virginia University and Gold & Blue Enterprises have reached a 10-year partnership with Hope Gas that officially renames the building Hope Coliseum. The deal includes naming rights, sponsorships, and future donations to WVU Athletics, generating a major new revenue stream for the department and its multimedia rights partner, Mountaineer Sports Properties.
Hope Gas President and CEO Morgan O’Brien called the partnership a reflection of shared history and investment in the state.
“For more than 125 years, Hope Gas has provided the energy needed for the people of West Virginia to warm their homes, operate their businesses and provide opportunities for economic development,” O’Brien said. “This partnership with WVU honors the proud heritage of West Virginia and will shine a spotlight on our future. Hope Coliseum is one example of the investments that Hope Gas is proud to make for the people, communities and future of West Virginia.”
The 14,000-seat arena has long been the centerpiece of WVU Athletics. It serves as home for men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, wrestling, gymnastics, and rifle, while also hosting concerts, commencements, NCAA events, and community gatherings. More than eight million fans have entered its doors since opening in 1970, and the building was named the No. 1 home-court advantage during the 2025 basketball season by KenPom Analytics.
WVU athletic director Wren Baker said the agreement is an important step forward.
“Hope Gas is a West Virginia based company with West Virginia values and aspirations to make West Virginia an even better place to live and work,” Baker said. “This partnership is an important step in our department’s growth and stability as new revenue generation is vital to our future.”
Through the years, the Coliseum has hosted NCAA tournaments, conference championships, ESPN College GameDay, and major upgrades that included new seating, concourse renovations, locker room updates, premium areas, and modern video and sound systems. It has also welcomed more than 150 musical acts, ranging from Tina Turner and Billy Joel to Drake and Snoop Dogg.
WVU President Michael T. Benson praised the move as another milestone for the University.
“The Hope Coliseum will remain a destination for generations of proud Mountaineer fans and a focal point for the University during times of celebration, including milestones like Commencement, thanks to this investment,” Benson said.
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