CARBONDALE, Ill. – Saluki Athletics announced a bold vision for the future of its programs on Tuesday, launching “Imagine: Salukis Unleashed” – a $100 million revenue enhancement plan.
In conjunction with the Imagine SIU 2030 strategic plan, Salukis Unleashed will enhance the athletics experience for student-athletes, coaches, and fans across the region. It will be included in the university-wide Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign.
“Saluki Athletics showcases some of the best of SIU. It’s the way many of our alumni and friends connect with our university. When the Salukis win, we all win,” said Chancellor Austin Lane during a launch event at Saluki Stadium.
Salukis Unleashed is a 10-year initiative that includes plans for fundraising and other revenue source increases. The plan centers around facility upgrades and enhancement of the Saluki Athletics’ footprint on campus.
“The athletic department is already invested in this mission,” said Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Tim Leonard. “We have replaced scoreboards in many venues, including the Jumbotron in the Banterra Center, and Saluki Baseball is getting new turf and fencing. We are moving forward with these and many other plans.”
Priorities during the Salukis Unleashed initiative include the following construction:
- Basketball practice facility, which not only benefits men’s and women’s basketball, but will allow volleyball to regularly play in the Banterra Center
- Indoor football practice facility and new locker room space for both the home and away teams
- Enhanced baseball clubhouse and training facility, including an indoor hitting facility
- New stadium for Saluki Women’s Soccer
- Golf practice facility
- Upgrades to Lingle Hall, Banterra Center, Charlotte West Stadium, and Shea Natatorium
“These state-of-the-art facilities will allow us to reach our maximum potential while recruiting players, hiring coaches, and maintaining championship-caliber programs,” Leonard said.
Beyond facilities, there will be an enhanced push to increase scholarship opportunities and wraparound services, including nutrition and mental health services. Together, these initiatives will push Saluki Athletics to new heights.
“We will show the Southern Illinois region and the rest of the world that we are focused on winning championships and making sure we succeed in every way possible,” Leonard said. “The future belongs to those who dream big, and no one is dreaming bigger than Saluki Athletics and SIU right now.”
To make a gift in support of the Imagine: Salukis Unleashed campaign, visit siuf.org/unleashed.
