Woodruff $1 million gift will support premium seating, locker room renovations at Hulman Center

The Indiana State University board of trustees has approved the naming of the Woodruff Sycamore Loft in Hulman Center, recognizing a $1 million gift from longtime supporters Troy and Melissa Woodruff.

The project will introduce a new premium hospitality space, the Woodruff Sycamore Loft, while also funding significant renovations to both the men’s and women’s basketball locker rooms inside Hulman Center, according to an ISU news release.

Construction on the project is scheduled to begin this month, with completion anticipated by early November.

The Woodruff Sycamore Loft will feature six private loge boxes, or premium seating, on the south side of the building overlooking the court.

Each box can accommodate up to 12 guests, and it also will create new opportunities for engagement and revenue generation in support of Indiana State Athletics student-athletes, ISU stated.

Woodruff is a graduate of Indiana State and current member of the university’s board of trustees.

During the trustee meeting, Woodruff — who abstained from voting — said, “I feel very blessed to be in a position to do something like this. The Hulman Center is an iconic arena” for basketball in Indiana.

In addition, he said, he and Melissa attended their first concert at Hulman Center. “This is a place that has a lot of meaning to us,” and a lot of meaning for many other alumni and Wabash Valley residents.

Woodruff added, “I appreciate everything this university has done for me.”

He said he hopes the improvements enhance the fan experience “and we fill that place up for our Sycamores this year.”

ISU said the Woodruffs “have demonstrated longstanding leadership and generosity in support of both academic and athletic initiatives.”

Their philanthropic impact includes prior investments such as the Benny E. Woodruff Cancer Research Lab and the RQAW classroom within the Bailey College of Engineering and Technology.

“The Woodruff Sycamore Loft will create an outstanding experience for our fans, and the locker room renovations will provide meaningful upgrades for our student-athletes,” said ISU President Mike Godard.

The projects “strengthen Hulman Center as a central part of campus life and reflect the momentum we are building at Indiana State,” Godard said.

Nathan Christensen, ISU director of athletics, thanked the Woodruffs “for their incredible generosity and unwavering belief in our student-athletes.”

Loge boxes will be available on a season-long basis. For more information or to inquire about availability, please contact Tyson Baldwin at Tyson.Baldwin@indstate.edu.