Murray State University Athletics
Murray State Athletics Announces Future Premium Stadium Club with $2.25 Million Gift
6/30/2026 8:31:00 AM | Football, General
Generous contribution boosts department’s emphasis on premium activation around the athletics footprint
Murray State Athletics has received a $2.25 million gift from Tommy and Sandy Draffen that will further enhance the ability for the department to continue leading the pack behind its bold vision for the future, it was announced on Tuesday.
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As the department continues to put an emphasis around new premium activations throughout the athletics footprint, the new premium club and suite level will be named the Draffen Family Founders Club within the heart of Rudolph Family Field at Roy Stewart Stadium.
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"This extraordinary gift reflects a deep belief in our mission and a commitment to creating opportunities that will positively impact generations of Racer student-athletes, alumni and fans," University President Dr. Ron Patterson said. "The continued support we receive from the Draffen Family will leave a lasting legacy on our athletics department and we are incredibly grateful for this $2.25 million investment in the future of Murray State Athletics."
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The Draffen Family Founders Club will feature a common area with a high-class bar, premium food offerings and comfortable seating so fans can enjoy a world-class game day experience. The space will also double as additional student-athlete dining hub on non-game days and external event space.
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"Tommy and Sandy consistently go above and beyond for Racer Athletics, playing a crucial role in our ability to position ourselves to be one of the premiere athletic departments in the country and to continue leading the pack," Director of Athletics Nico Yantko said. "Their unwavering support allows us to continue competing at a high level in everything that we do and we are extremely grateful for their commitment to our long-term vision for excellence with this generous $2.25 million gift."
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Murray State previously received a generous gift from the Draffen Family that propelled the transformation of the weight room in the football stadium, securing the naming rights for the Draffen Family Performance Center.
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"Sandy and I are thrilled to invest in a project that will elevate the experience for Racer student-athletes, coaches and fans for generations to come," Tommy Draffen said. "Murray State has always held a special place in our hearts and we strongly believe in the new vision and momentum surrounding Racer Athletics. We are excited to play a small role in building something that will benefit all of Racer Nation for many years to come."
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 Murray State Athletics has raised $46.75 million dollars in support of new facilities, initiatives and championship resources, a total that has been made possible by 17, seven-figure gifts since the campaign began.
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The $46.75 million is committed towards the department's bold, comprehensive $100 million fundraising campaign, Leading The Pack, which was created to further position itself for the future by investing in student-athlete success and wellness, revenue share and competitive resources and world-class facilities.
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Learn more about how you can support the campaign by clicking HERE.
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Follow the Racers on X (@MSURacers), Instagram (@RacersAthletics) and Facebook to stay up-to-date on all that is happening with Murray State Athletics.
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As the department continues to put an emphasis around new premium activations throughout the athletics footprint, the new premium club and suite level will be named the Draffen Family Founders Club within the heart of Rudolph Family Field at Roy Stewart Stadium.
Â
"This extraordinary gift reflects a deep belief in our mission and a commitment to creating opportunities that will positively impact generations of Racer student-athletes, alumni and fans," University President Dr. Ron Patterson said. "The continued support we receive from the Draffen Family will leave a lasting legacy on our athletics department and we are incredibly grateful for this $2.25 million investment in the future of Murray State Athletics."
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The Draffen Family Founders Club will feature a common area with a high-class bar, premium food offerings and comfortable seating so fans can enjoy a world-class game day experience. The space will also double as additional student-athlete dining hub on non-game days and external event space.
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"Tommy and Sandy consistently go above and beyond for Racer Athletics, playing a crucial role in our ability to position ourselves to be one of the premiere athletic departments in the country and to continue leading the pack," Director of Athletics Nico Yantko said. "Their unwavering support allows us to continue competing at a high level in everything that we do and we are extremely grateful for their commitment to our long-term vision for excellence with this generous $2.25 million gift."
Â
Murray State previously received a generous gift from the Draffen Family that propelled the transformation of the weight room in the football stadium, securing the naming rights for the Draffen Family Performance Center.
Â
"Sandy and I are thrilled to invest in a project that will elevate the experience for Racer student-athletes, coaches and fans for generations to come," Tommy Draffen said. "Murray State has always held a special place in our hearts and we strongly believe in the new vision and momentum surrounding Racer Athletics. We are excited to play a small role in building something that will benefit all of Racer Nation for many years to come."
Â
 Murray State Athletics has raised $46.75 million dollars in support of new facilities, initiatives and championship resources, a total that has been made possible by 17, seven-figure gifts since the campaign began.
Â
The $46.75 million is committed towards the department's bold, comprehensive $100 million fundraising campaign, Leading The Pack, which was created to further position itself for the future by investing in student-athlete success and wellness, revenue share and competitive resources and world-class facilities.
Â
Learn more about how you can support the campaign by clicking HERE.
Â
Follow the Racers on X (@MSURacers), Instagram (@RacersAthletics) and Facebook to stay up-to-date on all that is happening with Murray State Athletics.
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