On June 21, the Michigan State University Board of Trustees authorized the expansion of Munn Ice Arena on the East Lansing campus, with Tom Izzo, men’s basketball head coach, and his wife Lupe contributing a $1.1 million gift toward the $18.8 million project.
The gift also will contribute to the Spartan Marching Band and Student-Athlete Support Services. This is the second gift of $1 million or more made by the Izzo family since 2011.
“Our basketball program is so very fortunate to have the support of many individuals and donors who understand how important facilities and scholarships are to recruiting and competing for championships,” says Izzo. “I’ve been going to hockey games since I came to Michigan State, and those games are some of my greatest memories. The Spartan family is fortunate to have Danton Cole leading the hockey program and (Lupe and I) are grateful to be able to support our hockey program that is about to take off.
“Additionally, it was important for us to impact and say thanks to our Student-Athlete Support Services department and staff who shape the academic lives of our players and to the Spartan Marching Band who enhance the game day experience for all.”
The project will provide a new locker room, weight room and training areas, shooting bays, players’ lounge, and an expanded concourse that will connect a Hall of Honor to a pro/apparel shop. Offices for coaches and staff will be moved above ground.
“I’m humbled by this extraordinary gesture by Tom and Lupe,” says Cole, hockey coach at MSU. “This facility is a game changer for us, and I could not ask for a more meaningful endorsement than to have Coach Izzo and Lupe supporting our program.”
Izzo recently completed his 36th season with the men’s basketball program, including 24 seasons as head coach. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016. He is the winningest coach in program history and led the team to the 2019 Final Four, his eighth Final Four as head coach. Izzo is a native of Iron Mountain, Mich.
“MSU Athletics is extraordinarily grateful to the Izzo family for their leadership, dedication, and commitment to the MSU community,” says Bill Beekman, athletic director. “Through the years, Tom has guided transformation not only on the court through the success of our basketball program, but also has served many roles in guiding MSU into a world-class institution. Along with his wife Lupe, they have made a positive impact on the entire campus and community with their charitable works and gifts.”
