MSU takes step to renovate part of historic McDonald Arena

Missouri State University wants to renovate the first-floor court and the east wing of McDonald Hall and Arena for a new football locker room, weight room and athletic training facility.

The MSU Board of Governors will be asked to approve a resolution Feb. 20 to hire Cannon Design Inc. – based in Harrisonville – to perform architectural and engineering services.

The agreement was $1.43 million plus reimbursable expenses and will be paid for by private donations.

An MSU spokesperson said the cost of the project is estimated at $8 million, and fundraising is ongoing. The university said the project will be designed in phases.

“We are actively seeking private gifts to support the work, and the scope of construction will be determined by funding available when the bids are received,” according to a statement from MSU.

The project involves renovating 8,500 square feet on the first floor of the arena into a home team locker room.

The scope of work outlined in a board agenda includes upgrades to safety, fire protection, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, telecommunications, audio/video and technology systems.

Other planned work, according to MSU, includes renovation of 8,000 square feet for the weight room, 3,000 square feet for the training space, and 2,200 square feet for equipment, storage and laundry.

Part of the project involves reconnecting and extending the historic game day tunnel that links McDonald to Plaster Stadium.

According to MSU, this tunnel was once an important piece of campus history, and revitalizing it is part of an effort to elevate the fan experience, build pregame excitement and establish a new tradition for the football team.

McDonald Hall and Arena, located at 850 S. Kings Ave., was built in 1940 with funds from President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Work Projects Administration and served as the university’s main indoor arena until Hammons Student Center opened in 1976.

The university plans to bid the project in September with construction scheduled to be completed by fall 2027.