CHARLESTON, Ill. – Eastern Illinois University athletics has upgraded Lantz Arena with a new look as Boom Graphics out of Orlando, Fla., has installed new graphics to both end zones of the basketball and volleyball facility. In addition the company also added a new window film to cover the glass between the arena lobby and Padovan Pool.

The project was paid for by the Eastern Illinois Panther Club, an organization that helps to raise funds to support student-athletes for Eastern Illinois 21 intercollegiate sports.

“We would like to thank the executive board of the Panther Club for their support in funding this project,” said EIU director of athletics Barbara Burke. “The upgrade to the facilities has given them a great new look which we hope fans will come out to see while support our men's and women's basketball teams this season. We also want to thank Boom Graphics for their excellent work on this project.”

EIU will open the 2008-09 home basketball season this Friday when the women's team hosts Miami of Ohio at 7 p.m. Tickets are available by calling (217) 581-2106. The EIU men will open their home slate on Wednesday, Nov. 19 versus Manchester College at 7 p.m.