Serving as the home of the Sycamore basketball team since the second game of the 1973-74 season and the home of the women's basketball program since the early 1990's, Indiana State University's Hulman Center is truly one of the Midwest's finest multi-purpose arenas. The 9,000-seat facility underwent a $50 million renovation which ended in 2020 and now provides an outstanding atmosphere in which to watch college basketball.
A nearly two-year renovation project added several updates to the building including a new exterior facade and a glass entrance at the south end that adds square footage and event/meeting space. Light through the glass changes the feel of the building. Previously, the bowl was closed off. From the outside and upon entering, people will be able to glimpse the bowl and the building's high-energy events.
A new multi-purpose suite overlooking a new court as well as an open-faced area on the south end of the arena are immediately noticeable. Fans will enjoy new restrooms and concession stands while walking the new concourse area, while instantly noticing the new lighting for the court and an improved sound system.
One of the major parts of the update to Hulman Center was new utility systems, which will make the facility more comfortable while replacing unreliable and inefficient equipment, much of which dated to 1973.
Hulman Center was officially opened to the public on December 14, 1973 and at the time was one of the finest college basketball facilities in the nation. It became even better with the addition of a new, portable hardwood basketball floor before the 2010-11 campaign.
In 2008, the floor at Hulman Center was renamed for legendary basketball coach John Wooden and his wife Nellie. Wooden's actual signature is now on permanent display on the court to commemorate Nellie and John Wooden's significant contributions to Indiana State Athletics.
In 2008, fans noticed a very large addition to the Hulman Center, as a new state-of-the-art center-hung scoreboard was installed prior to the season. The four-panel videoboard displays live action from games and concerts as well as text, videotaped and animated messages. In addition to the new scoreboard, a head scorer's table with five back-lit panels has been added on the main floor along with two shot clocks with game-time displays. Eight video monitors on the arena's upper concourse allow concession patrons to watch the on-court activities, see interviews or learn about upcoming events.
Hulman Center has served the sports world well by hosting numerous high school, college and professional tournaments and exhibitions. It was the site of the 1974 NCAA Mideast Regional featuring Notre Dame and Marquette and annually is the site of Indiana High School regional or semi-state tournaments. The Indiana Pacers, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks and Milwaukee Bucks of the NBA have all graced the Hulman Center hardwood as have participants of past NIT and Missouri Valley Conference tournament.
Some of the most popular entertainers in the world have appeared at Hulman Center including Charlie Pride, who played the first ever concert in the building in 1974. Others to appear recently include: Miranda Lambert, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Brad Paisley, John Mellancamp, Rascal Flatts, Brooks & Dunn, WWE Smackdown & Raw; Toby Keith, Kenny Chesney, Shania Twain and KISS.