New Team Areas And More Provide Big Boost For Bulldogs
Joel Coleman, Senior Writer
7/23/2024
STARKVILLE – Mississippi State continues to transform Humphrey Coliseum into a premier facility courtesy of another round of upgrades at the men’s and women’s basketball venue.
A year after debuting a renovated Hump in public spaces, the building is now nearing the completion of multiple redesigned team areas as part of the first projects to be completed in MSU athletics’ new comprehensive long-term master plan for all athletics facilities.
New-look locker rooms for both the men’s and women’s teams, upgraded training rooms with an increased emphasis on injury prevention and elite recovery, and more, are among the most notable features that have been added to enhance the experience for current and future Bulldog student-athletes.
“There is a long-standing tradition of excellence at Humphrey Coliseum,” MSU Director of Athletics Zac Selmon said. “The recent renovations updating our fan amenities certainly played a role in the electric environments that we had last season, but we always knew we needed to go beyond that and provide upgrades to the way our student-athletes fuel, train and recover. We recognize they compete in the toughest conference in America and we will now have elite facilities for elite athletes. We cannot thank Bulldog Club members enough for playing a key role in making this happen.
“As we continue to evaluate and prepare for the new model of college athletics, we will continue to provide our student-athletes with the necessary resources to succeed on the court and pursue championships. Everything from elite recovery to spaces they can call their 'home away from home,’ it all plays a key role in fulfilling our student-athletes’ needs while recruiting top-tier talent for the future."
Both men’s hoops head coach Chris Jans as well as women’s leader Sam Purcell are grateful for the continued investment from donors and administrators to ensure State basketball is set up for success now and in the seasons ahead.
“Commitment is a big word,” Purcell said. “A lot of people just say it, but they don’t back it. And for an administration to go above and beyond to give our student-athletes, who are some of the best in the country, a locker room and a training facility that will be first class is huge. To the Bulldog Club and everybody that has made this possible, thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Added Jans: “We are grateful to all those who made this happen. The latest renovations and upgrades to our players’ locker room, lounge and video space will continue our goal of providing a first-class experience for our student-athletes while simultaneously strengthening our recruiting efforts. We appreciate the support we are receiving as we strive to improve our program.”
“We spend a lot of time together in the locker room and training room,” Cameron Matthews of the State men’s team said. “The new spaces will build our chemistry off the court and that helps us on the court.”
All of the new equipment, comforts and conveniences will also help attract some of the best talent in the country to Starkville.
“I always say, ‘If I can get [recruits] here, I’ve got a chance,’” Purcell said. “The [attendance] numbers that we’re able to draw for women’s basketball are some of the highest in the country. But when we show [recruits] the other areas when people are not here, you still have to have a ‘Wow’ factor. So when we’re able to open up that locker room and the training room…when the facilities and the locker room and the training room are just as special, it becomes evident Mississippi State is competing for championships.”
In addition to player areas, the most recent renovation will also offer fans a new premium club section at The Hump. This area will service courtside seat holders during men’s and women’s basketball games. The new, state-of-the-art lounge will feature food and drink service on basketball game days allowing for an exclusive space for courtside seat holders to enjoy.
The area will also serve as an additional recruiting lounge for prospective student-athletes and their families during visits for all MSU sport programs on non-basketball game days. The Bulldog Club will also make this space available to fans to rent for various events throughout the year including an exclusive opportunity on baseball game days or private receptions. Anyone interested in purchasing courtside seats, naming opportunities or renting this space out should contact the Bulldog Club at 662-325-3074.
All of the upgrades are exciting for fans and players alike, and those who compete in the Maroon and White are incredibly grateful for the continued commitment to Mississippi State hoops.
“All I can say is thank you from the bottom of my heart,” MSU women’s team member Jerkaila Jodan said. “It’s special to see how dedicated everyone is to making sure we have the things we need to perform at the highest level.”
Said men’s team member Josh Hubbard: “The additions are definitely important. It’s definitely motivating as well to work hard in those facilities for the people that provided it. We know they want to see us succeed.”
