Market Synergy Group Powers Past the Finish Line of Washburn’s $8 Million Renovation of Lee Arena

TOPEKA, Kan. - Washburn University is set to unveil the newly renovated Lee Arena when the Ichabod men's basketball team takes the court for its first home game of the 2025-26 season on November 19, and thanks to a generous gift commitment from Market Synergy Group the project has officially exceeded its fundraising goal. The $8 million renovation project-launched in April 2025-has transformed the arena into a modern, fan-focused space designed to enhance the student-athlete and spectator experience alike. More than half of the project's cost was funded by private gifts like the one from Market Synergy Group, underscoring the crucial role of donor support in advancing Washburn Athletics. The renovation follows one of the most exciting basketball seasons in recent memory and continues the University's commitment to providing best-in-class facilities for its student-athletes. For Lance Sparks, founder and president of Market Synergy Group, supporting Washburn Athletics comes naturally. The Washburn alum and former Ichabod men's basketball player sees the university and its athletics success as an extension of his community pride. "Supporting student-athletes at Washburn sets them up for success on the court and in the classroom," said Sparks. "The university is a tremendous pipeline for hiring local talent, and it makes me proud to give back to a place that gave me such a great start." The improvements to Lee Arena add to Washburn's growing list of state-of-the-art athletics facilities, and compliment the Athletics Corridor Master Plan, an ambitious plan to reimagine the athletics facilities in the heart of Washburn's campus. Together, these projects demonstrate Washburn's commitment to remaining among the best of the best in NCAA Division II athletics. "The renovations to Lee Arena are truly spectacular and will bring the facility into alignment with the quality of competition and events that take place within it," said Dr. JuliAnn Mazachek, president, Washburn University. "From volleyball and basketball to commencement, Lee Arena is our premier large event space on campus, and these upgrades will take every occasion to the next level for our students and fans." The renovation began immediately following the regional championship claimed by Washburn's men's basketball team last spring. The new arena will feature a brand-new court, scoreboards, seating system, technology, branding and fresh paint. The improvements follow the addition of the Capitol Federal Champions Suite which opened last year. "Donor support continues to elevate every corner of Washburn," said Marshall Meek, president, Washburn University Alumni Association and Foundation. "Support like this from Market Synergy Group, in addition to the commitments from our other project donors, shows how much excitement there is around Washburn Athletics and the university as a whole. We cannot say thank you enough to our donors who continue to invest in our students, our campus and our community." -30- For further information, contact:Jen LeClairSr. Director of Marketing & CommunicationsCell: (785)550-2556Email: [email protected]