With its completion a top strategic priority, the Edmunds Center is a critical venue for Stetson University—not only as its home court for athletic games but also as Stetson’s largest venue for the broad-reaching showcase events of Opening Convocation, FOCUS Orientation and Commencement.

Renovation is paramount. Delaying now means delaying renovation for at least another year. With just $3.4 million left to raise toward a $15.5 million goal, the university is moving to get gifts and commitments in place by February 2025, in order to complete construction in the off-season before Stetson’s basketball teams resume conference play in January 2026. (Note: Pre-conference basketball games will be played in the Edmunds Center with limited seating capacity. Volleyball games will be played at an alternative location, with matches held in the Edmunds Center with limited seating capacity.)

Built in 1974, without a major renovation since, the Edmunds Center is Stetson’s largest multipurpose facility and the largest indoor sporting venue in west Volusia County. Each year, approximately 28,000 guests pass through its doors.

The Edmunds Center is one of the constants throughout a student’s Stetson experience, where large groups of Hatters come together to create community. A major renovation will not only support the recruitment and retention of all Stetson students, including student-athletes, but it also will improve the fan experience and, most importantly, allow the Edmunds Center to be accessible for all.

Over the summer, Phase 1 of the renovation was completed, which included new bleachers, bathrooms, locker rooms and paint inside the gym. Phase 2 is planned to include major renovations to the lobby, the creation of a VIP Lounge on the first floor, an expansive outdoor plaza and Champions Courtyard, as well as the Edmunds Center first-ever elevator (making the center ADA compliant).

A change in scope of this project—to speed its completion and reduce overall project costs by more than $10.4 million—includes a partial renovation of the adjacent Wilson Athletic Center.

New plans optimize the use of the space and will help sustain the momentum of Hatters Athletics success from last season: the men’s basketball ASUN Conference Championship and first-ever March Madness appearance and the women’s basketball National Invitation Tournament appearance.

The Edmunds Novak family has generously invested in the project, and the new, renovated Edmunds Center will keep its name.

The renovation of the Edmunds Center is Stetson’s No. 1 fundraising priority and will help advance the university’s strategic plan goal of “student-centered success and wellness,” as described by President Christopher F. Roellke, PhD. The venue also will attract and retain top student-athletes while making the Edmunds Center a showpiece for Stetson University.