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An E&I Summary Article, July 2024

As graduations end, universities are getting ready to begin summer construction season with major athletic projects going on around the country. Many schools are working on roadways, sidewalks and parking projects, as well as smaller renovations to arenas and athletic facilities, but here are some larger facility upgrade projects going on that you may be interested in.

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Project #1

Univ. of Southern California (USC) Upgrades Basketball Arena (Galen Center)

USC is upgrading its men's and women's basketball arena, with a vision to renew commitment to athletic excellence. The arena will have a "facelift" to enhance the at-game experience for fans, students, donors, and student-athletes. Although only 17-years old, the nice arena was starting to seem a little "dated." The Galen Center is the basketball home for both men's and women's basketball at USC. Upgrading the Galen Center is part of a project to allow teams to practice in the gym where they are competing, to have a home on campus, a better home court advantage. 

In the updated arena, when fans walk in, they will immediately see a 30-foot LED board from floor to ceiling, with highlights and customized videos for the sporting event. Another upgrade is the new 3400 Lounge, which is a premium hospitality space for guests. And the Galen Center Founders Club is being revamped with brand new flooring, TVs, and flooring. This is a communal space for donors, with a patio with new furniture, lighting, and recreation space. Learn More.

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As fans enter the Galen Center, they will be greeted by a 30-foot LED Board with sporting highlights. This is an effort to maximize fan experience.
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Project #2

Furman Announces $40 Million for Basketball Arena Renovations (Timmons Arena)

Furman announced a $40 million renovation for its basketball arena. This renovation project will increase arena capacity from 2,000 to 2,750. It will include updates to the arena lobby and entrance areas. The renovation project will add premium and luxury box seating  and new administrative offices. Furman believes this upgrade will help with recruiting. Despite small upgrades over the years, the arena has struggled with curb appeal.

With this new construction, the men's and women's teams will be playing off-campus next season at a local arena in Greeneville SC (Bon Secours Wellness Arena). Construction is expected to begin in late spring of 2024 and will not be complete until Fall 2025. Furman men's and women's basketball will resume play at Timmons Arena for the 2025-2026 season. Learn More.

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When Furman, a 13-seed, upset  4-seeded University of Virginia in the 2023 NCAA tournament, it was a catalyst for upgrades to the Timmons Arena. Renovations are expected to help with recruiting.
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Project #3

La Salle Univ. Unveils Basketball Arena Project, to Compete in the Atlantic-10

The John Glaser Arena will soon seat 3,000, and it will soon feature a 360-degree bowl design. This will replace the high bleacher-style seating on both sides of the court at the Tome Gola Arena. La Salle will also upgrade the facility's video boards, audio system, and in-game production. This new building is a chance to jumpstart better basketball production and recruiting. La Salle plans for the facility to get more people interested in the program, and upgrades will align with NIL and other recruiting interests. The La Salle have finished at or near the bottom of the Atlantic-10 since their exciting men's NCAA tournament Sweet 16 run in 2013. Learn More.

Project #4

Univ. of Tennessee Plans $85M Makeover for Thompson-Boling Arena, soon to be Food City Ctr.

The University of Tennessee Board of Trustees earmarked approximately $85 million to renovate Thompson-Boling arena and surrounding area. Eventually the new name will be Food City Center, as the grocer chain has a naming rights deal announced in 2023 and is continuing investments. The renovation will help fund fan experience upgrades, new club amenities, updates to the Ray Mears Room, and a new center-hung video board and a modernized exterior. Because even larger renovations are going on at Neyland Stadium, the school is building a complete entertainment district between the two. This new "fan zone" will feature a boutique hotel, condos and conference spaces. It will hold more parking, and premium spaces for tailgating, restaurants, retail and other entertainment. Learn More.

Project #5

Sacred Heart University's Arena to Undergo Renovations, with move to the MAAC Conference

The Pitt Center at Sacred Heart University announced transformational renovations to its basketball arena. New, dynamic fan-first features will deliver a better experience for event attendees. Renovations are beginning Spring of 2024. The 2,000 seat arena in the heart of campus is undergoing a full facelift, with new permanent bleacher-style and backed arena style seating. This will bring fans closer to the action and create a better home court advantage. SHU is also adding a mezzanine for VIP seating and events, plus video boards, sound systems, and new lighting. The SHU Pioneers are transitioning from the Northeast Conference to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC), and this will help create a more competitive environment. Entering the MACC will involve a better rivalry with other similar Connecticut based schools, Fairfield and Quinnipiac. Learn More.

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E&I Cooperative Has Athletics Contracts You Can Access

You received this newsletter because E&I has many contracts that your procurement department has special pricing for. Click below to learn more about a few of them. E&I is your partner in collegiate and K-12 procurement needs. Through our contract portfolio, we help our member institutions make quick and informed purchase decisions.

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E&I Contract Details

Core Fitness

E&I's Core Health & Fitness contract provides access to highly rated brands in fitness like StairMaster, Nautilus, Schwinn, Star Trac, and Throwdown. E&I members receive full service, including installation, maintenance, and fitness programming.

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E&I Contract Details

JMI Sports

JMI Sports helps schools develop customized solutions and programs for athletics multimedia rights, sponsorships, and digital signage networks. This E&I contract offers project management solutions for your athletics program. Members generate revenue, exposure, and multimedia rights.

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E&I Contract Details

FieldTurf - A Tarkett Sports Co.

Your E&I FieldTurf contract offers synthetic turf, running tracks, indoor flooring, tennis courts, and sports surfacing. This contract offers a simple buying process with best market pricing, full service, and exclusive product and service.

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Yearly spend of E&I members
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E&I's Portfolio of Athletics Contracts

Did you know your institutions is a member of E&I Cooperative Services? E&I is a group purchase organization, solely focused on higher-ed. We've tapped into input from our collegiate institutions to build a comprehensive contract portfolio of athletics products and services. We've done the work, from vendor research, to RFP development, to negotiating with the most trusted athletic suppliers. View a few of our key athletics contracts.

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