USI receives $10M gift for athletics, arena naming rights
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The University of Southern Indiana on Thursday announced a $10 million gift from Evansville-based Liberty Federal Credit Union, securing naming rights to the Screaming Eagles Arena for the financial institution.
The university said the gift marks the largest single donation in its history.
As a result of the gift, which was awarded to the USI Foundation, the arena will now be known as Liberty Arena, Home of the Screaming Eagles, for the next 20 years.
The gift is unrestricted, meaning USI Athletics can direct the funds where they are needed most, including student-athlete scholarships, travel, Division I transition requirements, and other essential needs, USI said.
“This generous gift from Liberty will greatly enhance our athletic programs and provide much-needed support as we continue our transition to Division I athletics,” USI Interim President Steve Bridges said in a news release. “Liberty’s commitment will help pave the way for future success and ensure our student-athletes have the resources they need to thrive.”
USI first announced it was considering moving to NCAA Division I athletics in 2021. The following year, the university said it had accepted an invitation to join the Ohio Valley Conference.
“This partnership with Liberty allows us to take our vision and make it a reality,” Director of Athletics Jon Mark Hall said in the release. “As we move into years three and four of our Division I transition, we are aligning with partners who share our drive for success at the highest level. Liberty and USI Athletics will both continue to be impactful in the community, striving for the highest level of achievements.”
The donation is also the largest gift Liberty Federal Credit Union has made to date. The institution has multiple locations in southern Indiana, as well as Kentucky, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi.