In an unprecedented and history-making move, Louisiana State University has announced plans for a jaw-dropping $987.2 million stadium dedicated to none other than women’s basketball head coach Kim Mulkey. The announcement sent shockwaves through the sports world, marking a first-of-its-kind honor for a women’s basketball coach — and signaling a new era of recognition, legacy, and elevation for women’s sports at the collegiate level.
This monumental decision comes on the heels of Mulkey’s extraordinary accomplishments at LSU, most notably guiding the Tigers to their first-ever NCAA women’s basketball national championship in 2023 — just her second year at the helm. That historic title run electrified Baton Rouge, captivated the nation, and put LSU women’s basketball firmly in the spotlight.
But the national championship was just one chapter in Mulkey’s growing legend. The Hall of Famer and fiery sideline presence recently shattered yet another record, becoming the fastest coach in NCAA Division I history — men’s or women’s — to reach 600 wins, needing only 700 games to accomplish the feat. The feat solidifies her not just as a leader, but as an enduring figure in college basketball’s rich tapestry.
A Stadium Fit for a Queen of the Court
The forthcoming Kim Mulkey Stadium will be a one-of-a-kind, state-of-the-art basketball and multi-sport facility unlike anything previously seen in women’s athletics. Slated to begin construction in 2026, the arena will boast a 22,000-seat capacity, a retractable roof, luxury suites, digital fan experiences, and a cutting-edge training and recovery complex for LSU athletes.
The stadium will also serve as a campus hub for academic-athletic crossover programs, leadership seminars, and mentorship initiatives aimed at empowering young women in sports. From interactive exhibits honoring past and present LSU legends to the “Mulkey Hall of Champions,” this stadium won’t just house games — it will tell a story, inspire generations, and redefine the impact of women in sports.
The Mulkey Effect: Changing the Game at LSU and Beyond
Kim Mulkey’s arrival in Baton Rouge was more than a coaching hire — it was a cultural shift. Known for her flamboyant fashion, unapologetic passion, and championship pedigree, she immediately injected swagger and belief into a program hungry for greatness. In just two years, she transformed LSU into a powerhouse — recruiting elite talent, dominating the SEC, and building a brand that resonates far beyond Louisiana.
Her impact has also been economic. Since her arrival, ticket sales have soared, merchandise has flown off shelves, and LSU women’s basketball has become must-see TV. It’s only fitting, then, that the university return the favor in a fashion as grand as the coach herself.
Legacy in Stone and Steel
University President William F. Tate IV summarized it best: “Coach Mulkey didn’t just bring home a championship — she brought pride, unity, and a new identity to this university. This stadium is our way of saying thank you and ensuring that her legacy echoes through time.”
As construction plans move forward, fans across the nation — and especially in Baton Rouge — will be watching eagerly. One thing is certain: LSU isn’t just building a stadium. It’s building a monument to a legend.
And her name is Kim Mulkey.
