Murray State Athletics has unveiled its conceptual vision to uniquely re-imagine the CFSB Center to the Murray State Board of Regents on Thursday, Sept. 12.
The home of Racer men’s and women’s basketball is anticipated to receive its first major renovation since the facility was opened in 1998. The significant eight-figure project is focused on two key priorities of the department, recruiting and revenue generation, and will be funded through private donor contributions.
A primary vision of the entire project is on the enhancement of the overall fan experience and entertainment through new premium areas. Patrons will see a total overhaul in the seating structure in the lower level of the arena, including seating enhancements and the lower bowl becoming permanent seating in the shape of a horseshoe, moving on from the current retractable bleacher system currently in place with the exception of the student section to allow for other auxiliary events such as University commencement, concerts and more.
For the first time in Murray State history, Racer fans will have the ability to watch a game from the comfort of the anticipated 1,000 premium seats that will be installed. The conceptual plans also include premium loge boxes throughout the top of the seating bowl that would create a world-class game day experience while providing luxurious, private spaces for entertainment, while additional ledge seating and new courtside opportunities will bring the fans closer to the action.
As part of the anticipated renovation plans, Murray State envisions the addition of a first-of-its-kind courtside bunker club for patrons to take in the game in a premium setting right on the baseline of the court. The club will feature a rustic Kentucky feel and will showcase a high-class bar and food offerings, comfortable seating, special pregame team experience and an unforgettable view of the court.
New revenue opportunities will come from the state-of-the-art ribbon boards that will be installed throughout the new façade inside the lower bowl, further contributing to the Racers’ ability to thrive in the new NCAA landscape and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL).
Below, you will find conceptual renderings that highlight the vision of the future enhancements to the CFSB Center, as well as a survey where season ticket holders and fans can express interest in new premium offerings that will be created as part of this monumental project. Those who participate in the survey will receive 15 priority points towards their Racer Club priority point ranking.
VISION FOR RENOVATION ENHANCEMENTS & AMENITIES
• First-of-its-kind, courtside bunker club, with unique team engagement activation on game days
• 1000+ premium seats
• Enhanced seating for patrons
• New LED ribbon boards and activation
• Concessions and retail enhancements
Once the seating structure has been completed, additional enhancements and amenities include:
•One of the LARGEST dedicated basketball performance spaces in the country, with a vision to include:
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- Nutrition Oasis
- Rehab/Prehab Space
- Hydrotherapy Room
- • NIL Studio
- • Player Development/Academic Space
KEY STAKEHOLDER CONSIDERATIONS- • There WILL NOT BE A RE-SEAT of the arena.
- Season Ticket Holders will have the first right of refusal of their seats/comparable seat location if tickets are renewed or purchased in 2024-25, 2025-26, and beyond until project is completed.
- Season Ticket Holders will also gain access to purchase prior to public on-sale.
- • Premium seats and club access will be allocated based on priority point rank and capital campaign gift considerations.
- More information will be sent out on premium and club access and opportunities in the coming months.
- • Murray State Athletics will communicate Racer Club priority rank on a monthly basis to help fans consider gifts for opportunistic movement to leverage preferred premium seat locations or upgrade lower bowl seats.
- • To prepare for the new reality in the intercollegiate landscape, with or without revenue share to student-athletes, it is imperative that we prioritize and maximize revenue opportunities as well as create a championship caliber student-athlete experience to recruit, retain, and develop.
- • With this renovation, we will resolve multiple ADA issues.
- • This renovation will create a sustainable cycle of premium seating and entertainment options for all fans.
- • Murray State continues to prioritize outside events and activities for the local and regional communities.
“Racer Nation knows better than anyone the magic of the CFSB Center on game day and the feeling you get witnessing where the greatest Racer legends made their name. The vision for this massive project is all about preserving our tradition of excellence and enriching the experience to make sure each of our fans and their families will continue to make more memories for decades to come. Murray State is prepared for the possibilities in the ever-changing world of intercollegiate athletics. We will continue to prioritize recruiting and revenue generation through our plans and facilities, and this long overdue arena renovation is on the forefront of our strategic priorities. From an enhanced basketball game day experience, to concerts and new external activation, our arena will now be one of the top entertainment hubs in our state.”
Murray State Director of Athletics Nico Yantko
“The CFSB Center has been home to some of the biggest moments in our program’s history, so to be able to announce these renovations is a game changer for our entire community. The first-class enhancements that will come as part of this renovation will transform our fan experience and allow us to continue to recruit and retain elite student-athletes. We cannot thank our donors and investors enough for believing in this plan and we are excited to watch the progress begin throughout our home arena.”Head Men’s Basketball Coach Steve Prohm
“Our women’s basketball family truly appreciates our donors’ extraordinary generosity in supporting the renovation of our basketball facilities. Your commitment not only enhances our facilities, but also significantly enriches the experience for both our student-athletes and our fans. With your help, we’re transforming our arena into a place where excellence thrives and unforgettable moments are created.”Head Women’s Basketball Coach Rechelle Turner
- • There WILL NOT BE A RE-SEAT of the arena.