Broke ground September 22, 1970 Renovated 1992, 2004 Opened 2 February 1973 | Built 1970–1973 Capacity 8,500 | |
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Location Brookings, South Dakota Operator South Dakota State University Construction cost $3,685,000
($19.9 million in 2017 dollars) Owner South Dakota State University Team South Dakota State Jackrabbits men's basketball Similar Coughlin–Alumni Stadium, Erv Huether Field, DakotaDome, Western Hall, Coughlin Campanile | ||
Frost Arena is a 6,500-seat multi-purpose arena in Brookings, South Dakota. It was built in 1973 and is home to the South Dakota State University Jackrabbits men's and women's basketball, volleyball, and wrestling teams. It was named after former SDSU basketball coach Reuben B. "Jack" Frost.
The Jackrabbits men's basketball team have enjoyed a tremendous home court advantage at home, compiling a record of 426-127 (.770) through the 2011-12 season. Likewise, the Jackrabbits women's basketball team also has enjoyed their home court advantage with a 349-92 home record.
Originally featuring 9,500 seats, the facility, part of the Stanley J. Marshall HPER Center, now seats 6,500 fans for basketball. The arena's attendance record is for the SDSU-Augustana men's game on February 11, 1989, which attracted 9,456 fans. Renovations in 1992 and 2004 eliminated some of the bench seating and installed individual seats in parts of the arena. In 2005, an updated scoreboard, sound system, and a new arena floor were installed.
In addition to SDSU athletic and school events, Frost Arena has hosted the 2003 NCAA North Central Regional women's basketball tournament, six NCAA North Central Regional men's basketball tournaments, four NCAA Division II Wrestling National Championships, women's WNIT Tournament action in 2007 and 2008, along with numerous concerts and state basketball tournaments.
The first nationally televised game from Frost Arena was February 18, 2012, as the Jackrabbits men's basketball team took on the Buffalo Bulls on ESPNU.
Designs for a remodel of Frost Arena are in progress. The remodeled arena is proposed to include suites, premium seating, increased concession areas and more restrooms. Plans have not yet been finalized, and have not yet been approved by the South Dakota Board of Regents.