McLean County Times

Illinois State Athletics has officially named the playing surface inside the OSF HealthCare Athletics Training Facility as Barnett Family Field. This decision recognizes the ongoing support from former Illinois State football quarterback Danny Barnett and his family. The project received approval at the Illinois State Board of Trustees meeting on February 21, 2025.

The announcement follows a recent celebration by ISU Athletics and OSF HealthCare, marking the naming of the OSF HealthCare Athletics Training Facility in April during an open house event before a spring football scrimmage.

"Illinois State University has held a place in my heart since I was 18 years old," said Danny Barnett. "I feel the older we get, the better perspective we have on the most meaningful places, faces, and experiences we have had throughout our lives. ISU Football has been the most profound experience for me, and I am forever grateful. It is an honor and a privilege for my family to be able to donate money to such a great athletic department."

This is not the first time Barnett's family has supported Redbird Athletics projects; they previously contributed to naming the Barnett Family Locker Room inside the Kaufman Football Building. As a former quarterback from 1992-94, Barnett remains notable in Redbird history with records in several single-season passing categories.

"Danny Barnett and his family have stepped up to support our department once again and we are thankful for their dedication to providing quality facility improvements for our student-athletes," stated ISU Director of Athletics Dr. Jeri Beggs. "Danny knows first-hand from his time at ISU that the experience we give our student-athletes can have a lasting impact on their future. We thank Danny for his continued generosity and passion for Redbird Athletics and its future."

The OSF HealthCare Athletics Training Center was dedicated on September 30, 2023. The facility features a heated dual-membrane fabric air dome designed for year-round use by both student-athletes and community groups through rentals. The 79,000-square-foot center includes a newly named practice field matching Hancock Stadium's FieldTurf surface.

Since becoming available for community group rentals in early 2025, it has become one of campus' busiest spots, especially benefiting Redbird student-athletes across various sports.

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