Pretty major gift for South Dakota State University: First Bank & Trust is buying naming rights for and committing additional funds for Frost Arena renovations.
The proposed Frost Arena renovations, pending approval by the South Dakota Board of Regents, is estimated at $50 million and fundraising is ongoing through the SDSU Foundation.
Under the agreement, First Bank & Trust will assume naming rights to the facility, which serves as the home competition venue for Jackrabbit men’s and women’s basketball, wrestling and volleyball. Frost Arena originally opened in February 1973 and was constructed for an initial cost of $3.685 million.
“The long-standing generosity of First Bank & Trust and the Fishback family continues to have a major impact on our university,” said SDSU President Barry Dunn via press release. “The generous gifts provided over many years have been important to the success of our students, faculty, alumni and also the community of Brookings. Because of this gift, the renovation of Frost Arena will allow us to improve a facility that is home to many events, including Jackrabbits athletics, commencement, concerts, and lectures, and continue its rich history of being a regional center of activity for the state and the university.”
The renovation project is expected to take two years and will be done in phases to avoid relocation and interruption of SDSU events. The fan experience and gameday atmosphere will be first class thanks to the new features of the renovated facility. These include new premium seating areas and suites, state-of-the-art video board and display systems, an enhanced sound system, a more spacious concourse, and improved restrooms. New and improved locker rooms and offices are also a part of the design for the renovated arena, which will have an estimated capacity of 5,500.
Renderings courtesy South Dakota State University.
