One on One with Nico Yantko
(St. Louis, MO) – Massive changes are coming to Murray State’s CFSB Center. Director of Athletics Nico Yantko tells us the Racer renovation will make ‘The Bank’ a premier Missouri Valley Conference arena. It could also become the region’s top entertainment space.
Yantko has been on the job for just over two years and he is guiding Murray State athletics into the forefront of the Valley conversation. After stints with several ‘power five’ programs, his expansive experience is paying off for Racer nation.
His recent stay at Missouri helped form his hard working, ‘can do’ mentality. He says at Murray he and his staff believe they can ‘punch above our weight class’.
The CFSB Center opened in 1998 and it’s time for a face lift. Yantko says it needed an upgrade. Racer hoops are the centerpiece of Murray athletics and he knows the ‘dated seating’ options had to change and they are looking for ways to recruit fans to ‘The Bank’.
Racer Renovation – Facilities
Yantko applauds the Murray State move to the Missouri Valley Conference and knew the CFSB Center had to improve so that Racer athletics could be and stay competitive. Since the Valley is a top-tier, mid-major league, additional revenues need to be raised.
Murray’s press release called the Racer renovation as an ‘eight-figure’ upgrade. Yantko tells us the final bill will land between $20 to $35 million. It is all privately funded, so the updated ‘Bank’ will be a revenue producing facility.
Fan tastes and desires are huge. Yantko wants the fans to have amenities they desire. They’ve looked for ways to meet every fan need and utilize CFSB Center spaces creatively and efficiently. Season ticket holders won’t lose the right to a very similar seat, and yet club seating and ‘The Bunker Club’ are available.
Impacting Success
The CFSB’s Racer renovation includes upgrades for the athletes. Nutrition areas, hydrotherapy and other innovations are included in this massive upgrade. Yantko is embracing player development. He wants the athletes to be at the center of the changes.
Yantko wants to help players develop as players but also as people. He wants to provide NIL opportunities and personal enrichment availability. He has a long-term vision for the student athletes as people.
Racer fans come from a much larger area than just Murray, Kentucky. Their expectations are high. Championships, putting players in the NBA and an exciting brand of basketball are the expectation.
The most recognizable Racer of all-time is Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant. Yankto says Morant’s relationship to the university and to the basketball program is uniquely special. Morant visits often, donates often and has become a great ‘face of the program’.
The Racer renovation will include 1,000 premium seats, new LED ribbon boards, NIL studios for the players and enhanced concessions options.
Our entire interview can be seen on YouTube or heard at Valley Hoops Insider Podcasts.
Yantko’s positive, ‘we can succeed’ attitude and work ethic are infectious and this largest ever, capital campaign is costing the university no money. It may be a forerunner for other facility improvements around the Valley.
Do Good
Editor: Cover photo of Nico Yantko and CFSB Center picture courtesy of goracers.com.
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