Envisioned as an arena of excellence for college basketball, the I AM THIRD Arena will not just serve as a venue, but a storyteller of the unique narrative of IWU athletics interwoven with Christian faith-based messaging.

Its distinctive design will embody the “Christ first, others second, and self third” philosophy, with the architecture communicating the foundational values of the program.

The spacious arena will house visitor locker rooms, student athlete-focused team rooms, a recruiting suite, five guest suites, catering support areas to enhance suite experiences, and logistic improvements to streamline access into the building. Central to the layout will be a unified student section capable of accommodating up to 500 students, strategically positioned to amplify the intensity of games and create an unparalleled atmosphere in small college basketball. The intimate positioning of fans right next to the court aims to heighten the game-day experience.

More than a place for sports, this versatile building allows for a wide array of programming from events and intramurals, all the while serving as a space for Christian hospitality.

It also hosts recruitable moments, areas specifically designed to intrigue and impress potential recruits by showcasing the culturally distinct attributes of IWU. With cutting-edge AV / IT capabilities, the I AM THIRD Arena will ensure a future-proof, immersive experience for all visitors. The design presents a unique opportunity to highlight the stories of lives transformed, the spiritual growth fostered by the IWU teams, and the ethos of basketball as a form of worship.

The tradition of pregame introductions, amplified by the facility, will help set the tempo for games. With five national championships between men’s and women’s teams since 2007, the new arena will be a monument to victories achieved – not just on the court, but off it, in the lives of the athletes and the community around them.

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