UNC Greensboro alumni and supporters celebrated a new name for a familiar athletics home. 

Spartan Athletics’ Fleming Gym was officially renamed Bodford Arena on Nov. 8 during halftime of the Men’s Basketball home opener against Elon. The naming honored Alvin “Al” Bodford and the Bodford family for their extraordinary support of Spartan Athletics. Their recent $2 million commitment is the largest gift of unrestricted support to Spartan Athletics in its history.  

“We’re happy to be in a position to help bring Spartan Athletics to the next level,” said Al Bodford. 

With the announcement, Bodford Arena became the first competitive athletic facility at UNCG to be named in recognition of philanthropic support. The family’s gift will make many upgrades to the space possible, including vibrant new graphics, an updated entryway and ticket office, and even a selfie station for Spartan fans and recruits. Additionally, it will provide funds that can be used to address Spartan Athletics’ greatest needs.  

That reflects the trust the Bodford family has in UNCG, said Jason Bodford. “UNCG is a good steward of money, and that’s why the gift is unrestricted. We know that UNCG will do what’s best for as many people as possible.” 

The arena, which is home to volleyball, women’s basketball, and men’s basketball, was first named for Michael B. Fleming, a Greensboro civic leader and former member of the UNCG Board of Trustees and Excellence Foundation. Fleming’s decades of service will continue to be honored through the plaque on the third level of the arena, where Spartan fans can see his image and remember his impact.  

At a ceremony before the game, Spartan supporters and alumni like Tom Martin ’70, a member of the first Spartan Men’s Basketball team, gathered.  

UNCG Board of Trustees Chair George Hoyle ’90, a former student-athlete himself, said, “I’ve seen firsthand how a strong athletic program can elevate a university’s spirit, visibility, and impact. Since 1989, Fleming Gym has been a cornerstone of Spartan pride.”  

UNCG Chancellor Franklin D. Gilliam, Jr. thanked the Bodford family—Al, Brenda, Jason, and Amy—for their belief in UNCG and Spartan Athletics. “Because of their support, our student-athletes train and compete in world-class facilities,” he said. “UNCG plays a distinctive role in supporting education and prosperity for North Carolinians from all backgrounds, and athletics is a key part of that mission.”  

The Bodfords have called Greensboro home for more than 35 years. Supporting UNCG is a great way to support Greensboro, said Jason. “To help our community—and specifically Greensboro — what better place to support than UNCG?”  

Their support includes UNCG’s Student-Athlete Career Readiness Fund and the Bryan School of Business and Economics’ Suit Up Event. The Bodford family has also profoundly impacted Spartan Athletics facilities. The Bodford Family Speed, Strength, and Conditioning Center and the Bodford Women’s Student-Athlete Lounge benefit Spartan student-athletes across many sports and build camaraderie among UNCG athletic teams. 

With the naming of Bodford Arena, both Al and Jason were excited to provide a home for UNCG basketball and volleyball. “Having a wonderful home court like this makes all the difference in the world for the players,” Al said. 

The Bodfords’ recent gifts are part of UNCG’s Light the Way campaign, which has raised more than $200 million and continues through Dec. 31. Learn more about Light the Way: The Campaign for Earned Achievement.