Redbird Arena
Redbird Arena seats 10,500 people and is home to both men’s and women’s basketball and women’s volleyball. Redbird Arena hosts many entertainment events such as concerts, outdoor shows, and antique and craft shows.
Redbird Arena opened in 1989 and contains 24 teflon-coated, fiberglass fabric panels for the roof. It is the second largest university arena in the state, with a portable wooden floor placed over a concrete deck with lower seating which can be folded back, and special lighting arrangements for stage productions. The facility includes comfortable locker rooms plus full-service training and strength facilities just a few steps away.
Redbird Arena’s uniquely-designed roof is a key to its bright appearance, inside and out. The 65,000-square-foot, low-rise cable dome features reinforced exterior fabric. It rises 31 feet above a steel-reinforced concrete tension ring which encircles the top of the 12-sided roof peaking at 100 feet above the floor. The glow from the Teflon-coated roof on game night has inspired references to Redbird Arena as the "Crown Jewel" of athletics facilities.
From tickets to concessions —and every service in between —dedicated people put fans first and contribute to Redbird Arena’s classy reputation as clean, safe, and convenient. Whether it’s hosting conference tournaments, NCAA events, or high school championships, Redbird Arena has proven equal to the highest standards or capable of setting new ones.
Upcoming Public Events
May 2020
Commencement – College of Arts and Sciences (Postponed)
The disruption of the spring semester by the global COVID-19 pandemic has also impacted one of Illinois State University's most cherished traditions: spring commencement. These ceremonies mark the culmination of a student's time and hard work on campus and celebrate an important milestone. Illinois State does not want the achievements of our students to go unheralded. Therefore, we will honor and recognize these accomplishments with two opportunities to celebrate. In lieu of the originally scheduled commencement ceremonies on May 8-9,…
Commencement – College of Education (Postponed)
The disruption of the spring semester by the global COVID-19 pandemic has also impacted one of Illinois State University's most cherished traditions: spring commencement. These ceremonies mark the culmination of a student's time and hard work on campus and celebrate an important milestone. Illinois State does not want the achievements of our students to go unheralded. Therefore, we will honor and recognize these accomplishments with two opportunities to celebrate. In lieu of the originally scheduled commencement ceremonies on May 8-9,…
Commencement – College of Applied Science and Technology (Postponed)
The disruption of the spring semester by the global COVID-19 pandemic has also impacted one of Illinois State University's most cherished traditions: spring commencement. These ceremonies mark the culmination of a student's time and hard work on campus and celebrate an important milestone. Illinois State does not want the achievements of our students to go unheralded. Therefore, we will honor and recognize these accomplishments with two opportunities to celebrate. In lieu of the originally scheduled commencement ceremonies on May 8-9,…
Commencement – College of Business (Postponed)
The disruption of the spring semester by the global COVID-19 pandemic has also impacted one of Illinois State University's most cherished traditions: spring commencement. These ceremonies mark the culmination of a student's time and hard work on campus and celebrate an important milestone. Illinois State does not want the achievements of our students to go unheralded. Therefore, we will honor and recognize these accomplishments with two opportunities to celebrate. In lieu of the originally scheduled commencement ceremonies on May 8-9,…
December 2020
Commencement – CAS, COE, MCN
Winter Commencement 2020 Dates and times are tentative. Please refer to GraduationServices.IllinoisState.edu for more information.
Commencement – CAST, COB, CFA
Winter Commencement 2020 Dates and times are tentative. Please refer to GraduationServices.IllinoisState.edu for more information.
May 2021
Commencement – College of Arts and Sciences
Spring Commencement 2021 Please refer to GraduationServices.IllinoisState.edu for more information.
Commencement – College of Education
Spring Commencement 2021 Dates and times are tentative. Please refer to GraduationServices.IllinoisState.edu for more information.
Commencement – College of Applied Science and Technology
Spring Commencement 2021 Dates and times are tentative. Please refer to GraduationServices.IllinoisState.edu for more information.
Commencement – College of Business
Spring Commencement 2021 Dates and times are tentative. Please refer to GraduationServices.IllinoisState.edu for more information.