No, I don’t have $1 million, and I do not know anyone who’s looking to donate that either. This is all good fun. Once again, thanks to the Schrage family.
Theoretically speaking, Valpo basketball receives an anonymous $1 million donation. The donor decides the program can do whatever they would like with the funds. What option would you choose?
Option A: Valpo adds the entire $1 million to the Excellence Fund. This would add 80k-100k annually to NIL-related costs (assuming Valpo usted about 10% annually from the fund to maintain a steady cycle of funds, similar to the Steph Curry Davidson donation). This would result in Valpo having a minimum of approximately 200k in NIL annually before raising any additional money.
Option B: Valpo spends the entire $1 million on arena upgrades. Per AI, here are some things that could be done with a $1 million donation.
New LED scorers table - 200K
Update chair back seats - 450k
Concourse refresh - 175k
Locker room updates - 125k
Branding - 50k
OR this could be used as seed money for larger upgrades.
Option C: Valpo splits the $1 million 50/50 between the Excellence Fund and arena upgrades. This would result in an annual increase of 40k-50k in NIL. The arena upgrades could come from the list above or can be used as seed money for larger upgrades.
Right now I would say you would put that all purely into player, retention and development. Don't even think about making a renovation to the arc until you can show consistently that people will want to show up for the product. I have noticed that the student section has become quite full in recent games. The most they can do right now in order to alleviate some of that pressure is probably bring out the removable bleachers to go on the East goal. I would not want the students to return to the behind away bench overflow seating as that causes a lot of issues with away fans. Just put the removable bleachers back up on the other side and take down the little trapezoids that block the ball
@rezynezy I’m with REZ on this. We need to ask ourselves a simple question: are new chairbacks and LED lights really going to provide a return on investment right now? The answer is no. If the team isn’t improving and winning, even the nicest seats and brightest lights become uncomfortable distractions—and attendance drops.
Case in point: I was at every home game last year, and attendance was honestly sad. This year, with a much-improved team, attendance is noticeably better (still has a way to go, but progress is progress). More tickets sold means more revenue, more engagement, and ultimately more donations.
The athletic department has also taken steps in the right direction. Last year, not a single person from the department reached out to ask me to donate or get involved. This year, they made a clear effort to engage myself, my family, and other regulars. As a result, I’ve donated—and you’ve all seen me occasionally encourage others to do the same. These are positive changes. Building relationships with fans and donors matters, and the university made a strong hire within the department to help foster those connections. Compared to last year, it’s working.
Investing in player recruitment and retention, if done correctly, does provide a return. When the team plays well, fans start to gather, socialize, and engage in positive ways. Winning fuels interest, and that interest fuels donations. A large portion of any fan base is made up of fair‑weather fans, and when they pay attention, they do so with their dollars. Donations mean more when they follow success because fans feel connected to the outcome and motivated to keep contributing. The fan gets a return on their investment in the form of excitement, pride, and winning.
If Valpo were to invest $1 million next year in recruiting and retention and find a way to win the Valley, that investment would pay itself back quickly—quickly enough to justify splurging on new seats and new lights later. An NCAA Tournament appearance would raise the university’s profile, boost enrollment, and create new opportunities across campus. Think back to the MCC and Horizon League days and what that exposure meant for the school.
I believe we should bet on Roger Powell’s track record and invest in building the team. On‑court success is the foundation that ultimately drives growth, engagement, and long‑term success throughout the entire athletic department. Let’s use the money to get the team winning first. Once that success becomes consistent—maybe three to five years down the line—then we can talk about upgrading facilities.
We’re building this brick by brick. Winning cures a lot of problems. In my opinion, this year’s team can be largely retained (maybe 50% or so). Keeping key personnel while finding a few diamonds in the market is how this thing moves forward.
I thought the lights were replaced/up dated a couple of years ago? It would be the absolute last thing to spend money on.
@vu72 You’re correct. They updated the arena lights a few years ago.
The lights inside the ARC were replaced with LEDs. lEDs are controllable (the light shows and whatnot) and also producd less heat which, in turn, helps cool down the AC-less Homer Drew Court (other areas of the ARC are air conditioned such as Hilltop).
I think the lower bowl should be updated with new chair backs on BOTH sides. This investment would make gameday experiences much more enjoyable. Additionally, I would see this as a reasonable investment as I still think the ARC should become a student rec facility AND volleyball stadium. The chair backs would be great for that long term.
The rest of the funds player recruitment and retention.
I think the lower bowl should be updated with new chair backs on BOTH sides. This investment would make gameday experiences much more enjoyable. Additionally, I would see this as a reasonable investment as I still think the ARC should become a student rec facility AND volleyball stadium. The chair backs would be great for that long term.
The rest of the funds player recruitment and retention.
My only counter to this is that I think hilltop should be a volleyball only facility and the hospital plot should be made into a student rec center/practice facility for all sports. As for the ARC.... Extend the north wall to add a mezz. Cut down the current mezz and put a presidents suite/gameday media deb on top of it. It's already primed for access with the 2 staircases flanking the current mezz.
Unfortunately that is a long time coming unless some donors band together
Fites must have been reading this forum… $1 Million to the Excellence Fund, I think? If so, that means Valpo will have a base of approximately $200k to spend in NIL annually prior to any other donations.
What's even more interesting. Apparently CAT was a major booster of the Bradley program.
What's even more interesting. Apparently CAT was a major booster of the Bradley program.
CAT is headquartered in Peoria … not that surprising.
