$10 million gift made to First Bank & Trust Arena

A $10 million gift made by an anonymous donor is giving the First Bank & Trust Arena project a major boost.

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The vision to renovate Frost Arena into a revitalized venue got a major boost Friday, November 12, 2021, with a $10 million gift from an anonymous donor.

That comes less than two months after First Bank & Trust announced its $20 million lead gift for naming rights.

“We are thankful and inspired by this incredible gift, and the investment it represents in our student-athletes and coaches,” said Director of Athletics Justin Sell. “The interest in this project since First Bank & Trust’s announcement has been greater than anything we have ever seen. This $10 million gift puts us closer to beginning the renovation next summer (2022).”

The gift is a strategic investment in Bold & Blue: The Campaign for South Dakota State University. SDSU announced a goal of $500 million on October 21, 2021.

“First Bank & Trust Arena is a priority for our university,” said SDSU President Barry Dunn. “We appreciate the trust and confidence this gift conveys."

"Generations of Jackrabbits will dream bigger and achieve more thanks to the generosity of our anonymous donor.” - President Dunn

The renovation and expansion of First Bank & Trust Arena will include premium seating and hospitality areas, video displays, locker rooms, team rooms, athletic training facilities, an academic center and other amenities to enhance the event experience for all fans.

Eight additional South Dakota families have made commitments totaling $2.6 million to First Bank & Trust Arena.

The gifts follow the $20 million lead gift for naming rights from First Bank & Trust announced in September 2021 and a $10 million gift from an anonymous donor announced in mid-November 2021.

The commitments are from:

Rusty and Sherry Antonen of Lake Norden

Bowes Construction Inc. of Brookings

Ron and Anita Frankenstein of Redfield

Mylo and Lillian Hellickson of Brookings

Terry and Linda Nelson of Black Hawk

Ramsdell family of Flandreau

Dave and Laurie Schaefer of Rapid City

Lowell and Karen Somsen of Pierre

"These families have been unwavering supporters of Jackrabbit athletics and SDSU," said Director of Athletics  Justin Sell. "Their willingness to step forward with investments in First Bank & Trust Arena is indicative of the excitement that this project is generating."

Rendering of the First Bank and Trust Arena at max capacity, filled with Jackrabbit fans.
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