Jonesboro, AR – Contributed – Arkansas State University and the First Community Bank Sportsplex, today announced they have reached a multiyear deal that will designate Arkansas State University as the Sportsplex’s Official Education Partner and name the complex cafe the Red Wolves Cafe.
The deal creates a visible connection between Arkansas State University and the upcoming First Community Bank Sportsplex, giving students, athletes, families, tournament participants, and visitors new opportunities to engage with the university through the facility’s programming, communications, and guest experience.
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Opening in early 2027, the 200,000 square foot First Community Bank Sportsplex will serve as a premier destination for athletes, families, tournaments, and community events throughout the region.
The First Community Bank Sportsplex features space to hold 12 basketball courts or 24 volleyball courts, an Olympic-size, 40,000 square foot natatorium with 1M and 3M diving and 1,245 spectator seats, a competition warm-up pool, an outdoor aquatics park, and a 35,000 square foot events center. The state-of-the-art facility is already booking tournaments and events for 2027 and beyond, positioning Jonesboro as a leading destination for competitive sports and large-scale gatherings.
“The First Community Bank Sportsplex will bring thousands of young people and their families to Jonesboro, many of them experiencing our community for the first time,” said Todd Clark, chief marketing and communications officer at Arkansas State University. “This partnership gives us a tremendous opportunity to introduce them to the A-State brand, share the opportunities available just a few miles away, and make something clear from the moment they arrive: Jonesboro is Red Wolves territory.”
As the Sportsplex’s Official Education Partner, Arkansas State University will receive approved use of First Community Bank Sportsplex marks and intellectual property in marketing, along with a range of media and digital visibility across the facility’s communications channels.
The partnership includes email distribution to the complex database, brand integration in “Know Before You Go” tournament communications featuring information about Arkansas State admissions, sports events, and related opportunities, social media promotion across the complex’s channels, digital advertising through branded mobile charging stations, rotating display ads on the complex website, and rotating advertisements on digital TV monitors throughout the facility.
The Red Wolves Cafe will serve as a signature branded space within the Sportsplex.
The partnership further provides for a student employment program by Arkansas State University and the Sportsplex, creating a foundation for future opportunities that connect students with the facility and its events.
“We are thrilled to partner with Arkansas State and expose young student-athletes to a first-class university that is such an important community asset to Jonesboro and the state of Arkansas. The Red Wolves café will be a signature space at First Community Bank Sportsplex where attendees will enjoy a variety of food and beverage options as they learn more about the tremendous educational opportunities provided by Arkansas State.,” said general manager Brandon Shrader.
The First Community Bank Sportsplex will feature modern sports and event spaces designed to accommodate tournaments, leagues, camps, training opportunities, and community programming. With its size, amenities, and regional accessibility, the facility is expected to attract visitors from across Arkansas and beyond.
The Sportsplex will continue to support Jonesboro’s growing reputation as a destination for sports tourism and community recreation while providing a premier home for local athletes and organizations.
The First Community Bank Sportsplex is managed by the Sports Facilities Companies, the nation’s leading resource for the planning, development, and management of sports, recreation, golf, ice, aquatics, fitness, wellness, and events facilities.
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