Things Will Look Different At Lantz Arena

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Published on November 23 2020 6:09 am
Last Updated on November 23 2020 6:09 am

Things will look a little different at First Mid Court at Lantz Arena when spectators are allowed to return to watch Eastern Illinois basketball and volleyball contests as the arena will feature two new corner videoboards, two endzone ribbon boards and a new sound system.

The two new corner video boards are positioned in the Northwest and Southeast corners of the Arena providing a clear line of sight for all fans in the venue.  The boards are 20 feet wide by 12 feet tall featuring 4.88 mm pixel lighting. The two ribbon boards will be located on the North and South walls and measure 48 feet long by 3 ½ feet tall with the same 4.88 mm pixel lighting.

In addition to the video improvements to First Mid Court at Lantz Arena, a new center hung sound system has been installed in the Arena which can be utilized for EIU commencement and convocation in addition to EIU Athletic events. 

“Thank you to First Mid for their continued support of Eastern Illinois University and its Athletic Department,” said EIU Athletic Director Tom Michael. “Lantz Arena can be a terrific home court advantage for our teams and these type of enhancements can only help increase the fan experience at our games.  We are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to show off these new state-of-the-art additions to our facility when Panther fans are once again allowed to attend games in Lantz.”

"The new videoboards and sound system are great enhancements to Lantz Arena”, said Joe Dively, First Mid Bancshares, Inc. Chairman and CEO. “We look forward to seeing people back in the arena and enjoying games and events and these improvements will add to their overall experience at EIU.” 

The facility improvements were made possible by a corporate gift by First Mid Bank & Trust.  

The videoboards and sound systems were provided by Formetco Sports.  

EIU basketball opens the 2020-21 on Wednesday, Nov. 25. The Panther women will host UIC that afternoon with the game broadcast on ESPN+.   The men’s home opener is Dec. 3 against Chicago State.   At this time due to State of Illinois COVID-19 regulations, no spectators will be allowed to attend home EIU basketball or volleyball games in Lantz Arena.