Frost Arena has been an unmistakable piece of the Jackrabbit experience for the past two to three generations of students and university backers.
From the thousands that file in nightly for athletic contests to the thousands who cross the stage to receive their diploma in front of cheering family members, Frost Arena has been through it all. In between, there have been Future Farmers of America hostings, concerts, lectures, sit-down dinners, and even dance marathons.
Frost Arena has been that versatile hub of activity at South Dakota State University.
As the facility approaches its 50th birthday, the arena’s history and character will be preserved and celebrated amid the modern touches, technology upgrades, and amenities planned, thanks to the leadership gift of a financial institution as established as the university itself.
Opened in February of 1973 at a construction cost of $3.685 million, the arena is on track for a major renovation. First Bank & Trust helped launch the project with a $20 million commitment in September of 2021.
“First Bank & Trust shares SDSU’s progressive vision and relentless pursuit of excellence, combined with a passion of impacting our community,” said Kevin Tetzlaff, President and Chief Operating Officer of First Bank & Trust. “Together, we’re committed to working hand-in-hand to create the best for Jackrabbit fans and the city.”
The bank’s lead gift was announced September 13 on the floor of Frost Arena, as speakers were flanked by student-athletes.
That announcement spurred more than $25 million in additional gifts from individuals, families, and businesses in less than three months.
It quickly inspired other seven-figure gifts and an anonymous donor’s $5 million match, part of an unprecedented fundraising surge that enabled the university to have the project ready for approval by the Board of Regents in December and moved to the South Dakota Legislature for authorization in the 2022 session.
“Because of the First Bank & Trust gift,” President Barry Dunn said, “the renovation of Frost Arena will allow us to improve a facility that is home to many events…and continue its rich history of being a regional center of activity for the state and the university.”
First Bank & Trust’s $20 million commitment is the largest single gift in SDSU’s history. First Bank & Trust was founded in Brookings by entrepreneur Horace Fishback in 1880; South Dakota State was established in 1881.
“Our relationship with SDSU has stood the test of time, reinforcing the alignment between our organizations and proving a strong commitment to growth and quality of life in Brookings,” said Tom Fishback, Market President of First Bank & Trust and the fourth generation of the Fishback family to lead the bank.
The renovation will include new premium seating and suites, a state-of-the-art video board and display systems, an enhanced sound system, a more spacious concourse, and improved restrooms. New and improved locker rooms and offices are also part of the design for the renovated arena, which will have a new capacity of 5,500.
Named in honor of former basketball coach and Athletic Director R.B. “Jack” Frost, First Bank & Trust Arena will include an interactive space to highlight the history of SDSU Athletics. It will also be home to the Jackrabbit Sports Hall of Fame.
Work on First Bank & Trust Arena is expected to start in spring of 2022, with construction continuing through the fall of 2024. It will be done in phases to avoid relocation and interruption of SDSU events.
