Computerized mockup of front of Event Center shows rectagular gray building with white concrete in front of it. People are walking around in the front of the building.

The Sports Facilities Companies Chosen as Operating Partner for ETAMU’s New Sports Facility

By The Sports Facilities Companies

Industry-Leading Venue Management Firm Leads Operations for New Collegiate Athletics and Community Events Center

CLEARWATER, Fla.– East Texas A&M University has partnered with The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC) to operate its new state-of-the-art sports facility, set to open in fall of 2026. Located at East Texas A&M in Commerce, Texas, this facility promises to transform the campus experience while positively impacting the surrounding community.

Elevating East Texas A&M Athletics

With construction already underway, the 65,000-square-foot facility will help elevate the university's role in college athletics while providing exceptional benefits to students, athletes, and the community. The new sports venue will support the school's newly acquired Division I status, enhancing its ability to recruit top-tier student-athletes and showcasing East Texas A&M as a premier institution for both academics and athletics.

“This new facility represents a significant milestone for our university and our community,” said East Texas A&M President Mark Rudin. “It reflects East Texas A&M's commitment to excellence in athletics and student engagement.”

Rudin added: “The Sports Facilities Companies' expertise has been instrumental in turning our vision into a tangible reality, and we cannot wait to see the profound impact this state-of-the-art venue will have on our students, athletes, and supporters for years to come.”

A Community Gathering Place

The impact of this cutting-edge venue will reach far beyond athletics. While athletics remains at the heart of the project, the facility will serve as a vital community hub. The versatile event center will enable East Texas A&M to host special events, trade shows, and other functions for the university and the Northeast Texas region. This dual-purpose approach broadens the facility's value, making it a vital gathering place.

Key features of the new facility include:

  • Approximately 2,500 stadium seats
  • Two suites
  • Four team locker rooms
  • Eight coaches' offices
  • Premium food and beverage services
  • Two multipurpose press rooms
  • An arcade and other family entertainment amenities
  • An adjacent hotel
  • State-of-the-art event space, capable of hosting community events, concerts, trade shows, and more

SFC and East Texas A&M: Partnering for a Prosperous Future

SFC, a national leader in sports and recreation venue management, will bring its extensive experience to this project, overseeing staffing, facility maintenance, programming, marketing, and daily operations management. Beyond operations, SFC will collaborate with the university to lead a comprehensive branding, naming, and logo creation process. This initiative will result in a facility identity that resonates with both the university and the community.

“We are honored to partner with East Texas A&M University to bring this dynamic sports facility to life,” said John Sparks, SFC senior vice president of Venue Management. “More than an athletic venue, this facility embodies the spirit of collaboration, excellence, and vision that the university stands for. We aim to design a space that is a vital asset for the campus and the Northeast Texas community for many years to come.”

To learn more about The Sports Facilities Companies, please visit our website at sportsfacilities.com. Stay tuned on Facebook and LinkedIn for updates, programs, and job postings.

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About The Sports Facilities Companies

The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC) is the nation's leading resource for managing and developing sports, recreation, wellness, and event facilities. As a turn-key solution for community leaders and developers alike, SFC services span the gamut of sports and recreation needs from sports tourism & recreation master planning, program planning, and feasibility through professional facility management services. With over 90 managed venues and approximately 4,000 team members, represented by the SF Network, SFC welcomes nearly 30 million guest visits and produces almost $1 billion in economic impact each year. To learn more, please visit SportsFacilities.com and theSFnetwork.com.

About East Texas A&M University

East Texas A&M University serves rural and metropolitan East Texas with a dedicated mission to transform lives. With an enrollment of approximately 13,086 students, East Texas A&M is the third-largest member of The Texas A&M University System. Students choose from among 143+ academic degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels and learn from world-class faculty who conduct nationally recognized research. A vibrant student experience includes a thriving Greek community and more than 95 student-led organizations. As a member of the Southland Conference, East Texas A&M features 14 NCAA Division I athletic teams. The university offers classes online and on-site in Commerce, Dallas, Corsicana, McKinney, Mesquite, and Bryan (RELLIS).

Contact: Michael Johnson
Chief Marketing and Communications Officer

903.886.5128

Featured Photo: Virtual image of the Event Center's exterior. Compliments of Gensler.