SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Missouri State University officials unveiled a long-term vision Thursday for upgrading the school’s athletic facilities, with renovations to historic McDonald Arena expected to be the first project to take off.
The university’s Board of Governors accepted a presentation outlining the athletics master plan during its meeting Thursday, Aug. 6.
The first phase focuses on McDonald Arena, located just north of Robert W. Plaster Stadium. Planned improvements include:
- A new football team locker room in the arena’s east wing.
- Reopening and extending the tunnel connecting McDonald Arena to the football field.
- Converting the main arena court into a large weight room.
- Creating updated athletic training, examination, office, equipment, laundry and restroom spaces.
“Our fundraising efforts for the McDonald Arena project have been going very well, and we are at the point where we can begin initial construction steps in the coming months,” Ransdell said in a news release.
He said the university also wanted to share its long-term vision for Plaster Stadium and the surrounding area, adding that improved facilities and an enhanced game-day experience would help Missouri State remain competitive in the years ahead…