— By Bill Cornwell
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Marshall athletics announced another series of facility changes to provide premium viewing spaces for basketball games at the Cam Henderson Center.
Marshall announced this week the addition of a completely-renovated Hartley Room, a new Courtside Lounge, the Dough Daddy’s Sky Deck, Thunder Tables and additional courtside seating.
Marshall Vice President and Director of Athletics Gerald Harrison says fan demand and the need to make better use of the Henderson Center space led to the changes.
“We have listened to our fans, and we continue to look for ways to make the experience at the Cam better,” Harrison said. “We have intentionally created new experiences for every fan and every price point. The Sky Deck, Courtside Club and newly reimagined Hartley Room will bring an enhanced level of energy, hospitality and excitement to Game Day in Huntington while the Dough Daddy’s Kid Zone will give families and our youngest Herd fans a special experience of their own.
“Whether you are looking for a premium experience, an affordable family outing or simply a great seat to watch the action, there is a place for you with Marshall basketball.”
The Hartley Room has traditionally been a pregame and halftime gathering spot at the Henderson Center for Marshall’s Tip-Off Club and Big Green Scholarship Foundation members. The room is getting upgrades to give it more of an intimate club atmosphere. Fans will still be able to get a meal and their preferred drink in the Hartley Room, as it is the only spot in the Henderson Center that offers full alcohol service.
New this season is a Courtside Lounge, located adjacent to the Marshall Men’s basketball locker room. The Lounge will feature multiple TVs, a full bar serving beer and wine, and game-day favorites — fresh popped popcorn, hot dogs, and pretzels.
Another new Henderson Center spot is the Dough Daddy’s Sky Deck. A spot in the Sky Deck includes a ticket and a full meal catered exclusively by Dough Daddy’s, with fresh pizza and wings served throughout the season. Beer, wine and soft drinks will also be available.
An existing Henderson Center premium-seating option called “Thunder Tables” is back. Thunder Tables provide another unique way to experience Marshall Basketball. Thunder Table seats include in-seat concession service. A server will take concession orders and deliver purchases directly to fans at their table, meaning less time waiting in line and more time watching the Herd. Food and beverages are purchased separately and are not included in the season-ticket price.
Marshall officials say they will be adding extra courtside seating for the 2026-27 season.
Sales are underway for all of the new and existing Henderson Center seating options.
“We are incredibly excited to bring these new premium experiences to Marshall basketball,” Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer for Marshall athletics Niesha Campbell said. “We have amazing fans who bring so much energy and passion to our programs, and we want to continue finding new ways for them to experience game days in Huntington and connect with the Herd. These spaces are about creating something special for our fans while also being intentional about generating new revenue that we can reinvest back into our student-athletes and programs. I’m really proud of what our team has created, and I can’t wait to see these spaces come to life this season.”
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Marshall also announced changes for football fans who use the Joan C. Edwards Stadium Big Green Room located on the stadium’s west side.
The Big Green Room has received a complete renovation this summer. MU officials say access to it will only be available to chairback seat holders and access will be closely controlled.
A new amenity in the Big Green Room will be the “Big Green Buffet”, an all-you-can-eat buffet with a selection of non-alcoholic beverages as well. Service begins one hour before kickoff through the start of the third quarter
The buffet meals will be prepared by Marshall Athletics’ hospitality partner, Sodexo, and each home game will feature a unique menu with specialty items not available at public concession stands, giving fans something new to enjoy throughout the season.
“Throughout the offseason, we’ve spent a lot of time listening to our fans and asking what would make their game-day experience better,” Harrison said. “The feedback was clear — they wanted a more comfortable, more premium space to gather before and during the game, additional food options and an overall upgraded experience. These enhancements are a direct result of those conversations, and we’re excited to continue delivering the kind of experience our fans deserve.”