The circular building, similar to many arenas constructed at the time, has a 272-foot (83 m) diameter white steel-framed, Neoprene-covered roof which tops out at 89 feet (27 m) above the court.

Two ring displays are also part of the center hung structure and are able to show a variety of graphics, animations and statistical information.

It was renamed on March 25, 1972, to honor C. M. "Tad" Smith, former three-sport letterman, coach, and athletic director at the university.

The final game as the permanent home for the men's team at Tad Smith Coliseum was on December 22, 2015, with the Rebels defeating Troy 83–80 in overtime.

New Men's Head Basketball Coach Chris Beard came up with the idea and the Ole Miss Athletic Department made it happen.