With an all-new wrestling facility and an impressively renovated arena at South Dakota State University, game-day atmospheres are going to jack up the Jackrabbits.
First Bank & Trust Arena – formerly Frost Arena – showcases upgraded concessions and bathrooms, premium seating areas and suites, cutting-edge scoreboards and video displays, a scorer’s bench, repainted floor, an all-new sound system and an expanded concourse. With all these new amenities, Jackrabbit fans have much to look forward to.
Nathan Christensen, senior associate athletic director for development, explains the reasoning behind updating athletic facilities. “We’re elevating our game because that’s what our fans expect, but also the people who are visiting Brookings have a chance to come to an awesome venue and to be able to experience these amenities and take advantage of them fully.”
The Jacks wrestling team will also compete in the First Bank & Trust Arena but in 2022, moved practices to their own state-of-the-art facility. Frank J. Kurtenbach Family Wrestling Center is part of the Sanford-Jackrabbit Athletic Complex on the north side of campus. The facility enhances the program by featuring 7,000 square feet of mat space, locker rooms, a strength and conditioning area, coaching offices, team rooms and dedicated areas for academics and nutrition.
Together, both projects represent a $57 million investment to ensure there are outstanding athletic events for fans to enjoy.
*This story has been written in collaboration with South Dakota State University‘s Public Relations class for our 2024 Visitor Guide. Read the guide here.*
