Design crews work to prep, install new Civic Arena signage

By Cameron Montemayor

Downtown travelers may have noticed crews covering up the well-known “Civic Arena” lettering on the west and south sides of the facility on Monday.

Workers with Yellow Frog Graphics, a St. Joseph-based company, used boom lifts to reach the top level and prepare the exterior for the installation of two new permanent signs this week.

Altogether, three large signs will be added to the outside of the facility. Unlike previous static lettering, new signs will include a type of back or “shadow” lighting, allowing it to stand out at night.

The signs are one component of more than $9 million in planned and recently finished renovations to upgrade the 44-year-old facility, including all new seating, restrooms, lighting, lockers and scoreboard, among others.

The work comes as Civic Arena prepares to host the 2024 D2CCA Women’s Basketball Tip-Off Classic next weekend on Nov. 2 and Nov. 3.

The event officially marks the start of the 2024-25 NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball season and is one of several high-profile events slated for November at Civic Arena, including the NCAA Division II WBB Central Region Showcase on Nov. 8 and Nov. 9 and the 2024 MIAA Volleyball Championship from Nov. 21 to Nov. 23.

More information on tickets and athletic events taking place at Civic Arena this November can be found at stjomosports.com/events.