DELAND, Fla. - The J. Ollie Edmunds Center renovations are underway as the first phase of the project will be completed by the start of the 2024 fall semester. The construction will be the first major upgrade to the facility since the video boards and LED scorers' tables were added during the 2019-20 season. 

Originally built in 1974 as Stetson's largest multi-use facility for both team sports (basketball and volleyball) and university events, the Edmunds Center also remains the largest indoor sporting venue in west Volusia County. The first ever game in the Edmunds Center took place on Dec. 5, 1974, as Hatter fans witnessed a 73-58 Stetson men's basketball victory over Marshall. SU went on to win the next game, and the next, and the next. In fact, the Hatters went a perfect 16-0 at home that season, and they won their first 20 games played at the Edmunds Center.

Maintaining a top-notch athletic facility is a continual process, and the work at the Edmunds Center has been at a pace to keep up with the development of the athletic program itself. Over the years, the Edmunds Center has received a number of physical modifications and equipment upgrades, with many of those coming in recent years. New video boards and LED scorers' tables were added prior to the 2019-20 season, and new lighting was installed during the summer of 2020. Bench and press row seating was upgraded during the 2019-20 season, and court side seating was installed the same year.

In 2017, space was made for a state-of-the-art video/team meeting room for both basketball programs.

Eight locker rooms are housed in the Edmunds Center, among them the men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, cheerleading and volleyball locker rooms.

New designs call for the center to meet current ADA code standards while also being enhanced aesthetically as a showpiece for Hatters Athletics. 

Among the additions to the 5,000 seat, 50-year-old arena are new restrooms, upgraded seating, a new sound system,and a new elevator. The expansion of concessions and an area dedicated to the Stetson Athletics Hall of Fame are also going to be added. This renovation will redefine fan experience and honor the winning culture and traditions of Stetson Athletics.

Building off the excitement of a successful 2023-2024 basketball season which saw the Women make the NIT and the Men's team make it to March Madness this new home of Hatter basketball is sure to pave the way for future success. New locker rooms will enhance the student athlete experience and provide coaches with new resources and amenities to boost player performance and recovery.  

Stetson Cheer, Cross Country, and Volleyball will also benefit from the updates with new locker rooms, and amenities to improve the game/race day experience for the Hatters as well as giving each team a proper space to call their own.  

For the community, the new Edmunds Center will provide a gathering space for youth camps, musical concerts, and other events. In the past, the Edmunds center has hosted Jay Leno, Don McLean, and Hank Williams Junior. The new expansion will present new opportunities for performers and musical acts to inspire and connect with the West Volusia community.  

At this time, we are still fundraising for phase two which will require gifts of all sizes to complete the renovation. Gifts can be made HERE. If you have any questions or would like more information about the Edmunds Center renovation project, please contact Associate Athletic Director for External Operations, Heather McCormick at hmccormick@stetson.edu

Stetson Athletics and the university would like to thank all supporters and donors who have been gracious enough to support our efforts to make the Edmunds Center into a redefined events and entertainment space for Volusia County. Full renovations are expected to be completed by Summer 2025.

About Stetson University Athletics: Stetson University's Athletics Program is driven by a shared purpose. It is what inspires, motivates and binds us together. More than a task, a reason for being. THE HATTER PURPOSE is to create and provide an experience of a lifetime through teamwork and relationships to achieve excellence. This purpose is achieved through five Core Values: Communication, Integrity, Excellence, Value People and Commitment. To learn more about the HATS program and our Core Values, visit GoHatters.com/HATS.

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