In With The New: A Conversation Inside SDSU’s First Bank & Trust Arena Renovation
Go behind the scenes of South Dakota State University's First Bank & Trust Arena renovation with insights from SDSU Athletics staff Jeff Holm and Christi Williams. In this recap of The Daktronics Experience podcast, we share how the three-phase transformation came together, the impact of the new video and audio systems, and how the arena honors its past while embracing the future.
Matt Anderson on 5/1/2025
Categories: Pro Sports and Colleges
Walking into the newly renovated First Bank & Trust Arena at South Dakota State University, you can feel the energy. As someone who’s lucky enough to travel the country and see impressive venues, I can confidently say this transformation stands out. And recently, we got to sit down with the people who lived this project from start to finish - Jeff Holm and Christi Williams from SDSU Athletics - for a podcast episode that left me both impressed and inspired.
Jeff and Christi have been through every phase of the arena’s journey - from planning to execution. Jeff is the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Facilities and Operations, and the way he talks about the building makes it clear this was personal.
“Typically with a new facility, you’ll hear, ‘It’s great, but what about this?’” Jeff said. “To be honest, I haven’t heard one thing like that. It has all been so very positive.”
That feedback didn’t happen by accident. The SDSU team started early - back in 2016 - to lay the groundwork. Over the years, the vision came to life through three construction phases that kept the arena operational while gradually building something incredible.
Christi, who’s been with SDSU for more than 20 years, described the project like living in a house under constant renovation - only with guests showing up every night.
“It was a very complex project,” she told us. “You think you have something planned out, then something else happens. But it was absolutely a team effort, and our fans were incredibly patient through it all.”
One of the most noticeable upgrades is the audiovisual system. As part of the final phase, SDSU worked with Daktronics to install a centerhung video display, ribbon boards and various auxiliary LED elements. It all ties together to create a next-level game-day atmosphere. Even more impressive? The custom audio system - also integrated by Daktronics - brings full-range sound with booming bass and crystal-clear speech, filling the entire arena with energy and clarity.
Jeff summed it up best: “The audio system is a Daktronics system as well, so there’s some coordination there that we don’t necessarily know all about, but we know the people who know and they did a great job.”
From a fan experience standpoint, the transformation goes beyond LED and audio. The concourse now pays homage to Frost Arena’s history with salvaged bleacher wood and gym floor pieces worked into the design. When I walked through, I caught myself pointing things out I hadn’t noticed on previous visits, like the old bleacher boards used in the trim.
“I remember the open house being unexpectedly emotional,” Christi said. “Seeing people’s reactions and thinking about how much went into this - it was a celebration.”
And it wasn’t just local pride. When SDSU hosted Duke’s women’s basketball team, they told us it was one of the nicest arenas they’d ever played in. “They want to come back,” I repeated for them on the podcast and Duke's team meant it.
At the end of our conversation, I asked Jeff and Christi what advice they’d give to someone starting a renovation like this. Their answers were clear: get the right people at the table early and don’t cut corners on your partners.
“Start the right way,” Jeff said. “If you do that, you generally have a good chance of ending the right way.”
It was obvious that this wasn’t just about building a better arena. It was about building a better experience - for athletes, for fans and for the future of SDSU. And, as someone who lives right here in Brookings, I’ve seen firsthand how much this project means to our community. I’m proud we were able to help share their story.
Tune in to the Full Podcast Episode
To hear the full conversation with Jeff and Christi, check out the episode on The Daktronics Experience podcast - available wherever you listen - or watch the video version on YouTube.
FULL EPISODE: 242 – Inside the LED Display Transformation at South Dakota State’s Arena
YOUTUBE VERSION: SD State's Arena LED Display Transformation | Daktronics Experience Podcast 242