Arkansas State University and the First Community Bank Sportsplex have announced a multiyear partnership, with A-State becoming the facility’s official education partner. The collaboration was revealed Wednesday and includes branding the Sportsplex’s café as the Red Wolves Café.
Todd Clark, chief marketing and communications officer at Arkansas State, highlighted the partnership’s potential impact on the community. “The First Community Bank Sportsplex will bring thousands of young people and their families to Jonesboro, many of them experiencing our community for the first time,” Clark said. “This partnership gives us a tremendous opportunity to introduce them to the A-State brand, share the opportunities available just a few miles away, and make something clear from the moment they arrive: Jonesboro is Red Wolves territory.”
Brandon Shrader, general manager of the Sportsplex, expressed enthusiasm about working with the university. “We are thrilled to partner with Arkansas State and expose young student-athletes to a first-class university that is such an important community asset to Jonesboro and the state of Arkansas,” Shrader said.
The 200,000-square-foot sports and events complex is expected to open in early 2027. Designed with versatility in mind, the facility will include space for 12 basketball courts or 24 volleyball courts, an Olympic-sized natatorium with 1-meter and 3-meter diving boards, seating for 1,245 spectators, an outdoor aquatics park, and a 35,000-square-foot events center.
Officials believe the partnership will create meaningful connections between visitors and Arkansas State University, reinforcing the university's presence in the region and fostering potential educational opportunities for young athletes and their families.