Vision For The Future Home of Racer Basketball

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).

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:
- 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.

Murray State University Athletics

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