TERRE HAUTE, Ind. - Indiana State Athletics announced the upcoming installation of a series of new scoring, message, and video boards at the Hulman Center, a project that will culminate with the debut of a new center-hung scoreboard over midcourt in the arena.
 
The project has been made possible entirely through private funding thanks to a $2 million gift from the Hulman-George family. In all, the gift will help enhance the game day atmosphere for all home Sycamore men's and women's basketball games and further the Hulman Center as one of the premier basketball venues in the Missouri Valley Conference.
 
"On behalf of the entire Hulman-George family, we are proud of our long-standing commitment to the community through the Hulman Center," Tony George said. "It was the passionate commitment of Tony Hulman for the community to have a place for public meetings and gatherings. Over the past 50 years, great memories have been created, and the recent renovations will ensure another 50 years of guest experiences enjoyed. We are happy to provide support for the information and communications system that will enhance the experience for all who attend events at the Hulman Center."
 
Indiana State recognized the Hulman-George family in a brief ceremony during the first media timeout at Thursday night's men's basketball exhibition against Rose-Hulman. During the ceremony, a conceptualized rendering of the new center-hung video board was unveiled throughout the arena.
 
"This generous gift by the George family showcases the commitment and priority that the university has toward Indiana State men's and women's basketball and athletics as a whole," commented ISU Athletic Director Sherard Clinkscales, "All of the enhancements allow us to put the finishing touches on one of the top basketball facilities in the Missouri Valley Conference. It sets both the men's and women's basketball programs up for success and will help create a fantastic environment for our home games in the future."
 
President Deborah J. Curtis thanked the Hulman-George family members for their longtime support of ISU.
 
"The Hulman-George family has been a generous benefactor of Indiana State University for generations," Curtis said. "We are so grateful that they have decided to support this spectacular addition to the building that carries their name. It will touch many thousands of people for everything from commencements and sports to concerts and community events."
 
Home to the Sycamores men's and women's basketball teams, the Hulman Center will replace the existing Nevco video displays with an updated Daktronics model. The center-hung board will feature two sideline-facing displays measuring 14.76 feet tall and 24.6 feet wide, while two endzone displays will run 9.84 feet tall by 16.4 feet wide. Additionally, the center-hung board will also feature two 5.74 foot by 13.12 foot video display panels underneath that will feature live, in-game statistics, information, and more.
 
Other court enhancements will feature endzone ribbon displays that will measure 3.28 feet by 96.79 feet, while new Vom ribbon displays over the court-level entryways will run 3.28 feet by 16.40 feet. All ribbon displays will provide additional chances for ISU athletics sponsor elements as well as other in-game promotions.
 
The Sycamores will also be adding two new LED scorers tables that will sit courtside and will feature in-game advertising and information. New LED basketball game clocks and LED game clocks and shot clock timers will also be installed throughout the arena, while locker room clock displays will be installed behind the scenes to keep all working parties aware of the countdown to game time.
 
Both head men's basketball coach Josh Schertz and head women's basketball coach Chad Killinger are excited about the enhancements and what it will mean to their programs and Indiana State as a whole.
 
"I know I speak for everyone in our program when I say that we couldn't be more excited about the upcoming videoboard along with the video enhancements that will be taking place in the Hulman Center this summer," Schertz said. "Its impact will be both massive and widespread, as it will positively affect our current players and fans' gameday experience while being a major 'wow' for recruits and their families."
 
He continued, "We are incredibly grateful to the George family for their remarkable generosity and support. With its recent renovations, the Hulman Center has become one of the premier facilities in the country, and now we have a videoboard and surround system that is every bit as elite as our arena."
 
Killinger concurred, "As excited as we are to get our 2021-22 season started at the Hulman Center this year, we are equally as excited about the additional improvements that will be coming to the facility for the 2022-23 season. The recent upgrades already give the building a more modern look, and will only enhance the in-game experience for our fans. It shows our prospective recruits a high level of commitment to the program not only from Indiana State, but also from the community of Terre Haute, and the Wabash Valley region."
 
Installation of the new video display elements is expected to begin following the conclusion of the 2021-22 regular season with the goal of being active in time for 2022-23.
 
The installation will continue the recent enhancements made to the Hulman Center. The 9,000-seat facility recently underwent a $50 million renovation that added several updates to the building, including a new exterior façade and a glass entrance at the south end that added square footage and event/meeting space. Other major upgrades included a new multi-purpose suite overlooking the court, as well as an open-faced area on the south end of the arena. New restrooms and concession stands were developed on the new concourse area, while new lighting and an improved sound system also enhanced the facility.
 
The Indiana State women's basketball team will make their 2021-22 season debut on Tuesday, November 9, as the Sycamores welcome Stephen College (Mo.) to the court for a 6 p.m. tipoff. The men's team will open the home portion of the 2021-22 schedule on Sunday, November 14, against Hanover with tipoff set for 1 p.m.
 
About Hulman Center
Hulman Center has served the sports world well by hosting numerous high school, college and professional tournaments and exhibitions. It was the site of the 1974 NCAA Mideast Regional featuring Notre Dame and Marquette and annually is the site of Indiana High School regional or semi-state tournaments. The Indiana Pacers, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks and Milwaukee Bucks of the NBA have all graced the Hulman Center hardwood as have participants of past NIT and Missouri Valley Conference tournament.
 
Some of the most popular entertainers in the world have appeared at the Hulman Center including Charlie Pride, who played the first ever concert in the building in 1974. Others to appear recently include: Miranda Lambert, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Brad Paisley, John Mellancamp, Rascal Flatts, Brooks & Dunn, WWE Smackdown & Raw; Toby Keith, Kenny Chesney, Shania Twain and KISS.
 
Follow the Sycamores
For the latest information on Sycamore Athletics, visit GoSycamores.com. You can also find the team on social media, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Fans can also receive updates on Sycamore Athletics by downloading the March On App from both the App Store and the Google Play Store.