LEAD GIFT ANNOUNCED FOR ARENA RENOVATION

South Dakota State University Athletics officials announced Monday afternoon that Brookings-based First Bank & Trust has committed $20 million that will serve as the lead gift for the complete renovation of Frost Arena. Under the agreement, First Bank & Trust will assume naming rights to the facility, which serves as the home competition venue for Jackrabbit men's and women's basketball, wrestling and volleyball.

"The long-standing generosity of First Bank & Trust and the Fishback family continues to have a major impact on our university," said SDSU President Barry Dunn. "The generous gifts provided over many years have been important to the success of our students, faculty, alumni and also the community of Brookings. Because of this gift, the renovation of Frost Arena will allow us to improve a facility that is home to many events, including Jackrabbits athletics, commencement, concerts, and lectures, and continue its rich history of being a regional center of activity for the state and the university."

The $20 million gift is the largest single gift in the history of South Dakota State University. The proposed project, pending approval by the South Dakota Board of Regents, is estimated at $50 million and fundraising is ongoing through the SDSU Foundation.

First Bank & Trust and its founding Fishback family have been longtime supporters of South Dakota State University and Jackrabbit Athletics. Thanks to lead gifts by the bank and the Fishback family, several academic programs, facility expansions and fundraising campaigns have driven growth for the campus and community over the years.

"First Bank & Trust shares SDSU's progressive vision and relentless pursuit of excellence, combined with a passion for impacting our community," said Kevin Tetzlaff, President and COO of First Bank & Trust. "Together, we're committed to working hand-in-hand to create the best for Jackrabbit fans and the city."

Tom Fishback, Market President of First Bank & Trust, Brookings, added: "Our relationship with SDSU has stood the test of time, reinforcing the alignment between our organizations and proving a strong commitment to growth and quality of life in Brookings. This expanded partnership will continue to foster growth that will support the SDSU community and, in turn, our community."

The renovation project is expected to take two years and will be done in phases to avoid relocation and interruption of SDSU events. The fan experience and gameday atmosphere will be first class thanks to the new features of the renovated facility. These include new premium seating areas and suites, state-of-the-art video board and display systems, an enhanced sound system, a more spacious concourse, and improved restrooms. New and improved locker rooms and offices are also a part of the design for the renovated arena, which will have an estimated capacity of 5,000.

"We couldn't be prouder to continue our partnership with First Bank & Trust," SDSU Director of Athletics Justin Sell said. "First Bank & Trust has meant so much to the university, the community, the state and the region. To enhance the footprint of the Stanley J. Marshall Center and create a first-class facility for our student-athletes, coaches, and fans is incredibly exciting."

Frost Arena, named in honor of former Jackrabbit basketball coach and athletic director R.B. "Jack" Frost, opened in February 1973 and was constructed for an initial cost of $3.685 million. First Bank & Trust Arena will include an interactive space which will highlight the history of SDSU athletics in addition to being the new home of the Jackrabbit Sports Hall of Fame.

For more information on the project, including a list of available naming spaces within First Bank & Trust Arena, visit www.BackTheJacks.com.

ABOUT SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY
South Dakota State University is the state's largest, most comprehensive higher-education institution. As South Dakota's Morrill Act land-grant university, SDSU had a fall 2020 enrollment of 11,405, with students coming from 49 states and more than 70 countries. Students can choose from 82 majors, 35 specializations, 94 minors, 36 master's degree programs, 15 Ph.D. programs and two professional doctorates. The university also offers courses at various off-campus sites as well as undergraduate and graduate programs online through the Office of Continuing and Distance Education.

ABOUT SDSU ATHLETICS
South Dakota State has experienced broad-based success at the NCAA Division I level among its 19 varsity sports, 16 of which compete in The Summit League. The Jackrabbit football team competes in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, while wrestling is a member of the Big 12 Conference. Equestrian holds affiliate membership in the East Coast Athletic Conference.

ABOUT FIRST BANK & TRUST
First Bank & Trust is a family- and employee-owned organization with 22 locations in 17 communities in South Dakota and Minnesota. Headquartered in Brookings, it is the largest privately held bank in South Dakota with more than $3.8 billion in assets. First Bank & Trust has a history that dates back more than 140 years and spans four generations of the Fishback Family, who support independent and entrepreneurial leadership. For more information, visit www.bankeasy.com.

-GoJacks.com-

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LEAD GIFT ANNOUNCED FOR ARENA RENOVATION

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