New Era for Jackrabbit Athletics

Frost Arena was more than just a place for generations of Jackrabbits.

It was an atmosphere, a sense of connection, a point of pride. For 52 years, it was home – and a place that rivals feared. The rumble of the bleachers, the thunderous applause. A sea of blue seemingly rising to the rafters. Both basketball teams are among the nation’s leaders in home winning percentage in all of Division I.

With a lead gift of $20 million from First Bank & Trust, SDSU embarked on a significant renovation of one of the state’s most famed venues. It became one of the signature initiatives of the Bold & Blue campaign.

It will open in this fall with a new name – First Bank & Trust Arena – and more modern amenities to elevate the experience for fans and student-athletes. But the history and atmosphere are being very intentionally preserved.

The arena will pay tribute to Frost Arena, with the wooden bleachers and original basketball floor incorporated into the décor. An ample number of photos and remnants will chronicle the building’s history from its opening on February 2, 1973, through the final basketball games in March 2023.

It’s a blend of nostalgia and modernism, of tradition and innovation.

With the commitment secured from First Bank & Trust – the largest single gift in SDSU history – individuals and companies began rallying behind the project. Renovation started in the summer of 2022.

When the arena opens, fans will experience a state-of-the-art video board, enhanced sound, student lounges, premium seating areas and suites, and a more spacious concourse. The south concourse will showcase trophies, with the original center-court floor logo mounted on the wall.

The revitalized arena also features office spaces, team rooms, and areas devoted to players’ studies. As a result, the new home of the Jackrabbits focuses on supporting student-athletes not only in the competition, but in
the classroom.

Ultimately, First Bank & Trust Arena and Frost Arena will have something in common.

It, too, will be more than just a place. It will stand as a symbol of the bold future of Jackrabbit Athletics – stunning to behold, pristine with the promise of what comes next, and made truly special by the people inside.