Illinois State Athletics has announced that the concourse inside CEFCU Arena will be named the Julie and Bob Dobski Concourse. This decision follows a significant financial contribution from Julie and Bob Dobski, which was approved at the Illinois State Board of Trustees meeting on February 20, 2026. The investment is aimed at supporting Redbird women’s athletics programs.
ISU Director of Athletics Dr. Jeri Beggs said, “Julie and Bob Dobksi have been pillars of this community for many years, and loyal supporters of Redbirds athletics for a very long time. They have given back so much to our University, our Athletics Department and the entire Bloomington-Normal community in countless ways. Their passion and dedication to make this community better is inspiring to us all, and we could not be more appreciative of their efforts to support our Redbird student-athletes. Redbird Athletics continues to take steps forward and we will continue to shape its future with supporters like Julie and Bob.”
The Dobskis’ commitment focuses on providing resources that help Illinois State Athletics maintain its tradition of supporting Title IX legislation. Their support will directly benefit women’s teams at Illinois State University, with funds allocated at the discretion of the Athletic Director. Signage recognizing their contribution will be installed at all four entrances of CEFCU Arena, with naming rights granted in perpetuity.
Julie and Bob Dobski stated, “Our success has always been tied to the strength of this community, and we believe business leadership comes with a responsibility to give back. We are grateful for the opportunity to invest in the university that helps shape our community’s future. Supporting Illinois State University is one way we demonstrate our commitment to leadership, philanthropy, and gratitude for the place we call home.”
The couple has supported Illinois State University since arriving in Bloomington-Normal as owners of several McDonald’s restaurants. Bob Dobski has served on both the ISU Foundation Board of Directors and Board of Trustees; Julie Dobski serves on the College of Business Advisory Council and holds an honorary doctorate from Illinois State University. They have contributed to student success initiatives in both the College of Business and College of Education by funding named spaces in campus buildings such as Bone Student Center and State Farm Hall of Business.
Currently, they own Rob Dob’s Restaurant & Bar in Bloomington—which hosts live broadcasts featuring Illinois State basketball coaches—and Little Jewels Learning Centers in Twin Cities.
Illinois State women’s basketball head coach Kristen Gillespie commented: “I would like to sincerely thank Julie and Bob Dobski for their unwavering support of Illinois State Athletics. They are true pillars of our community, and their generosity continues to make a lasting impact. I am deeply grateful for their investment in women’s athletics here at ISU.”
Redbird volleyball head coach Allie Matters added: “Our program is so incredibly grateful for the continued support of Julie and Bob Dobski. They value the experience of our student-athletes, coaches, and fans. They are true Redbirds through and through and I couldn’t imagine the Bloomington-Normal community without them.”
The Dobskis’ philanthropy has influenced not only Illinois State University but also impacted Bloomington-Normal’s broader community.
Illinois State Redbirds benefits from initiatives such as the Redbird Athletics Excellence Fund designed to enhance competitiveness and recruitment (https://goredbirds.com/). The university’s athletic programs utilize facilities like OSF HealthCare Athletics Training Center for athlete preparation (https://goredbirds.com/), while news updates, schedules, rosters, fan resources (https://goredbirds.com/), NCAA Division I competition details (https://goredbirds.com/), as well as information about connections between Illinois State Redbirds athletics programs with Illinois State University itself can be found on their official website.
