Building Blue

It Is Time to Build Blue!

MTSU's Build Blue campaign will provide all 17 Blue Raider athletic programs with the resources and infrastructure necessary to remain competitive in collegiate athletics.

MT Athletics is a major contributor to the success of MTSU. Our athletic programs are the window into the institution, bringing regional and national recognition to our campus and providing a valuable link to alumni and the midstate community while gaining public support for the University.

As the first part of a $100 million-plus plan to upgrade athletics facilities, MTSU has already secured $66 million to enhance Floyd Stadium and build a new student-athlete performance center behind the north end zone. This first phase should be completed before the 2024 football season.

The Build Blue fundraising campaign is under way, seeking at least $15 million over five years for the three-phase project.

MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee said the project underscores the University's commitment to providing the highest level of performance in competition and in the classroom. Coaches and athletic administrators called the project a game-changer.

"Imagine . . . a place that is inviting, highly functional, and home to a state-of-the-art fan experience," McPhee said. "A place where our student-athletes get the training and tools they need—on the field and in the classroom – to reach their greatest potential. A place we share for the future of Blue Raider Athletics.”

PHASE 1 Student-Athlete Performance Center

The Student-Athlete Performance Center (SAPC) will be constructed on the site of the current weight room and gameday rooms adjacent to Murphy Center.

The multistory building will house new athletic training, strength and conditioning, and equipment centers, which will benefit all student-athletes.

Additionally, the SAPC will house football personnel offices, the football locker room, and a players lounge.

PHASE 2 Murphy Center

Upgrades and revitalization to Murphy Center will provide a grander and fan-friendly entrance, a large interior atrium, and a ticket office.

Creation of a regulation 94-foot NCAA court with state-of-the-art training and skill centers will bolster both men’s and women’s basketball programs.

Since all football offices and locker rooms will relocate to the SAPC, space will become available for men’s basketball locker rooms and coaches offices.

PHASE 3 Multipurpose Practice Facility

Indoor practice facility will be located east of the SAPC.

The climate-controlled facility will provide all athletic programs an indoor space to practice and train regardless of weather conditions.

MTSU REMAINS IN C-USA

From Sidney A. McPhee, MTSU president:

Last fall, as we watched the landscape for Division I athletics evolve, MTSU was proactive and diligent in evaluating our opportunities, always with the best interests of the University as the singular guiding principle. We greatly appreciated the interest other conferences showed in our athletics program and in our University, as it was a testament to the overall excellence of our institution, both athletically and academically. However, after careful consideration and due diligence, I reaffirmed our commitment to Conference USA.

With the addition of four new members, C-USA offers a strong footprint in the South and Southwest, providing opportunities to develop new regional rivalries while staying connected to traditional opponents that our fans want. Building on the conference’s storied history of success, I believe our continued affiliation offers our Blue Raider community the greatest opportunity for success and should enhance our fan engagement. Working with our four remaining members, as well as our new partners, Conference USA is poised to rebrand itself as a premier conference in the Group of Five.

We look forward to the opportunities that our expanded relationship will provide and want to assure our fans that, regardless of conference affiliations, our goals remain the same, as we pursue championships in all our sports.

WAYS TO GIVE

Online

mtsu.edu/supportbuildblue

Check

Make your check payable to the MTSU Foundation, and in the memo line write “Build Blue Campaign.” Mail to: Office of Development MTSU Box 109, Murfreesboro TN 37132

Matching Gifts

Many companies will match the gifts of their employees to qualifying charities. Some double or triple the amount. Your company’s human resources department can provide details and the matching gift form.

Stock

Your gift of appreciated stock is tax deductible and helps you avoid long-term capital gains taxes. It is typically to your advantage to transfer appreciated securities to the MTSU Foundation directly rather than selling them and giving cash. Please contact Rhonda Stansberry at 615-898-5006 for instructions on making this transfer, even if you have given stock previously.

IRA Distribution

Using an IRA to make a charitable donation can help lower a tax bill and help MTSU. Distributions must be made directly to MTSU Foundation, not to the owner or beneficiary. Call Pat Branam at 615-494-8409 for more information.