© 2024 WSIU Public Broadcasting
WSIU Public Broadcasting
Member-Supported Public Media from Southern Illinois University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

SIU Arena Becomes Banterra Center

For 55 years, the Saluki basketball facility has been known as SIU Arena, or simply The Arena.

That changed Thursday when SIU-Carbondale sold the naming rights to Banterra Bank. The Arena will now be known as Banterra Center.
Banterra President and CEO Jeff May says this is more than a marketing opportunity since SIU-C is a critical economic engine for the region.

"The main reason the Banterra board chose to do this is we saw this decision as an investment and a positive influence on our region's economy and its growth."

Credit Brad Palmer, WSIU Radio
Banterra President and CEO Jeff May (left) and SIU-C interim Chancellor John Dunn (right) sign the agreement inside the arena on May 16, 2019.

Saluki Director of Athletics Jerry Kill says this is a historic moment.

"When we look down the road 10 years from now, I guarantee you, this day will be the difference in Saluki basketball."

Kill says the partnership with Banterra will serve as a strong example of future naming-rights opportunities for Saluki Athletic venues.

Credit Brad Palmer, WSIU Radio
Rendering of Banterra debit card

The 10-year deal could produce $10 million if profits from a debit-card initiative with Banterra are met. The initiative will help fund a newly established Banterra-SIU Scholarship Fund.

SIU-C Interim Chancellor John Dunn says that's an important part of the deal.

"We especially appreciate, not only the long term financial commitment as part of this partnership, but the agreement to benefit a Banterra-SIU Scholarship program for students as well."

The partnership is the largest corporate naming-rights agreement in school history.

 

As a news producer and news anchor on All Things Considered, Brad provides the listeners with a recap of the day's top local and state news as well as breaking news at any given time. Contact WSIU Radio at 618-453-6101 or email wsiunews@wsiu.org
As a WSIU donor, you don’t simply watch or listen to public media programs, you are a partner. By making a gift, you help WSIU produce, purchase, and broadcast programs you care about and enjoy – every day of the year.