Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Build Blue Campaign officially enters second phase
11/14/2025 5:00:00 PM | General, BRAA
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Middle Tennessee State University's ambitious fundraising initiative to transform its athletics facilities, the Build Blue campaign, has raised over $22.7 million from 414 different donors since its launch in November 2021.
After twice surpassing its private fundraising goals for the campaign – the first was $15 million, the second was $20 million – officials and volunteers are closing in on the current $25-million target as the university begins plans to renovate historic Murphy Center.
"We are excited to enter the next phase of Build Blue," said Chris Massaro, MTSU director of athletics. "This campaign has been a strategic investment in modern, athletic facilities that have enhanced our daily operation, improved student-athlete development, and elevated the fan and student experience."
Build Blue was launched to support three phases of construction and renovations to the university's athletics facilities, which are expected to cost more than $150 million, Massaro said. The scope of these projects will largely be determined by the amount of money raised from private donations.
Build Blue's first phase concluded with the opening of the $66-million Stephen and Denise Smith Student-Athlete Performance Center and the $8 million Outdoor Tennis Complex.
The second phase, Massaro said, will focus on improvements to Murphy Center. "We are excited to enter the design phase of renovating the Murphy Center and transforming that historic facility into one of the best in the country," he said.
A third phase of the campaign will focus on constructing a new Indoor Practice Facility, which would include a 100-yard football field that all MTSU varsity teams could utilize during inclement weather.
Phase 2: Murphy Center Renovation
The Murphy Center, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022, is in major need of upgrades to enhance the fan experience, become more attractive as an event and concert space, and recruit the caliber of student-athletes desired at MTSU. Governor Bill Lee and the Tennessee General Assembly committed $78 million to the renovation.
"The renovation of Murphy Center is a pivotal step in cementing the legacy of this iconic and beloved building for generations to come," MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee said. "This project reflects the shared vision of our alumni, supporters, and local leaders to create a lasting impact for MTSU and the entire middle Tennessee region."
Also, MTSU's Board of Trustees formed a special committee of elected officials and prominent alumni, led by Trustees Chair Stephen B. Smith and fellow Trustee Tom Boyd, to guide the Murphy Center renovations and create a nearby "Lightning Zone" district to encourage retail and entertainment development in the surrounding area.
The architect for this project has been selected (Goodwyn Mills Cawood), and the project is now in the design phase, with the intention to hire a contractor in the Spring.
The renovation plans for the Murphy Center currently include, but are not limited to, construction of a new entry and lobby (Ole South Atrium), enhanced practice facility (Chase Miller Gym), and renovations to the basketball offices and locker rooms.
In addition to improving the basketball experience, these renovations will also make the Murphy Center more ADA accessible, upgrade academic classrooms/facilities, and improve infrastructure to become a premier entertainment venue for Rutherford County.
Phase 1 Milestones
Build Blue has already helped the University achieve three recent milestones:
Naming opportunities within the Outdoor Tennis Complex, Smith Center, and Murphy Center are still available for those wishing to leave their legacy on these projects. Individuals wishing to donate to the Build Blue Campaign through the Blue Raider Athletic Association can contact the BRAA offices for additional information at (615) 898-2210, BRAA@mtsu.edu, or BuildBlueNow.com.
After twice surpassing its private fundraising goals for the campaign – the first was $15 million, the second was $20 million – officials and volunteers are closing in on the current $25-million target as the university begins plans to renovate historic Murphy Center.
"We are excited to enter the next phase of Build Blue," said Chris Massaro, MTSU director of athletics. "This campaign has been a strategic investment in modern, athletic facilities that have enhanced our daily operation, improved student-athlete development, and elevated the fan and student experience."
Build Blue was launched to support three phases of construction and renovations to the university's athletics facilities, which are expected to cost more than $150 million, Massaro said. The scope of these projects will largely be determined by the amount of money raised from private donations.
Build Blue's first phase concluded with the opening of the $66-million Stephen and Denise Smith Student-Athlete Performance Center and the $8 million Outdoor Tennis Complex.
The second phase, Massaro said, will focus on improvements to Murphy Center. "We are excited to enter the design phase of renovating the Murphy Center and transforming that historic facility into one of the best in the country," he said.
A third phase of the campaign will focus on constructing a new Indoor Practice Facility, which would include a 100-yard football field that all MTSU varsity teams could utilize during inclement weather.
Phase 2: Murphy Center Renovation
The Murphy Center, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022, is in major need of upgrades to enhance the fan experience, become more attractive as an event and concert space, and recruit the caliber of student-athletes desired at MTSU. Governor Bill Lee and the Tennessee General Assembly committed $78 million to the renovation.
"The renovation of Murphy Center is a pivotal step in cementing the legacy of this iconic and beloved building for generations to come," MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee said. "This project reflects the shared vision of our alumni, supporters, and local leaders to create a lasting impact for MTSU and the entire middle Tennessee region."
Also, MTSU's Board of Trustees formed a special committee of elected officials and prominent alumni, led by Trustees Chair Stephen B. Smith and fellow Trustee Tom Boyd, to guide the Murphy Center renovations and create a nearby "Lightning Zone" district to encourage retail and entertainment development in the surrounding area.
The architect for this project has been selected (Goodwyn Mills Cawood), and the project is now in the design phase, with the intention to hire a contractor in the Spring.
The renovation plans for the Murphy Center currently include, but are not limited to, construction of a new entry and lobby (Ole South Atrium), enhanced practice facility (Chase Miller Gym), and renovations to the basketball offices and locker rooms.
In addition to improving the basketball experience, these renovations will also make the Murphy Center more ADA accessible, upgrade academic classrooms/facilities, and improve infrastructure to become a premier entertainment venue for Rutherford County.
Phase 1 Milestones
Build Blue has already helped the University achieve three recent milestones:
- Completion of Peterson Plaza: Dedicated in May 2024, the Steve Peterson Champions Plaza honors former Baseball Head Coach Steve Peterson, who passed away in March 2020. This area, located outside of Reese Smith, Jr. Field, recognizes all the championship teams throughout MTSU Baseball's storied history with flags and plaques listing every coach and player.
- Completion of the Outdoor Tennis Complex: The state-of-the-art $8 million complex, which opened Feb. 1, 2024, features the Allen Tennis Building, which includes new locker rooms, offices, and a players' lounge, plus six competition courts, and spectator seating that provides a world-class environment for Blue Raider Tennis.
- Completion of the Stephen and Denise Smith Student-Athlete Performance Center: The $66 million, 85,000 square foot facility boasts cutting-edge training areas such as the Kevin Byard Strength and Conditioning Center, the TOA Athletic Training Facility, and the Doug and Susan Young nutrition station benefiting all 17 Blue Raider teams. The complex, which also houses the entire MTSU Football operation, serves as a tremendous asset to the entire athletics department.
Naming opportunities within the Outdoor Tennis Complex, Smith Center, and Murphy Center are still available for those wishing to leave their legacy on these projects. Individuals wishing to donate to the Build Blue Campaign through the Blue Raider Athletic Association can contact the BRAA offices for additional information at (615) 898-2210, BRAA@mtsu.edu, or BuildBlueNow.com.
MTSU Football at WKU post-game press conference – 11/15/25
Sunday, November 16
MTSU Men's Basketball Recap vs Evansville 11/12/25
Friday, November 14
Raider Report Game 10 - MTSU vs. Western Kentucky University
Friday, November 14
True Blue Testimonials - MTSU Men’s Golfer Connor Henry - Presented by MMC
Thursday, November 13
