August 8, 2025 – East Texas A&M University has partnered with The Sports Facilities Companies of Clearwater, Florida, to operate its new state-of-the-art sports facility, set to open in fall of 2026.
With over 90 managed venues and about 4,000 employees, SFC welcomes nearly 30 million guest visits and produces almost $1 billion in economic impact each year.
ET A&M President Dr. Mark Rudin says: “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.”
Construction on the 65,000-square-foot facility is already underway on State Highway 24 west of Whitley Hall, the University’s high-rise residence hall. An ET A&M news release says the impact of the Events Center will reach far beyond athletics. While athletics remains at the heart of the project, the facility will serve as a community hub. The versatile event center will enable ET 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 arena seats
Two suites
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
