MSU Board of Trustees approves Munn construction; Izzo makes major donation

By @MichaelCaples –

On Friday, the Michigan State University Board of Trustees authorized construction on the expansion of Munn Ice Arena.

Helps when Tom Izzo kicks in a million bucks.

MSU has announced that the iconic basketball coach and his wife, Lupe, have donated $1.1 million towards the Munn construction project, as well as to the school’s marching band and student-athlete support services.

“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, Izzo said. “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 we (Lupe and I) are grateful to be able to support our hockey program that is about to take off.”

The Munn Ice Arena project will provide a new locker room, new weight room and training areas, shooting bays and a players’ lounge for the Spartan hockey players, while moving the coaches and staff to offices above ground.

“I’m humbled by this extraordinary gesture by Tom and Lupe,” Spartans coach Danton Cole said in a release. “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.”

An expanded concourse will feature a new Hall of Honor for MSU hockey, as well as an enhanced pro/apparel shop.