08/14/2026
We are proud to have been a part of this renovation.
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Southern Illinois University has dedicated the newly renovated Jim Hayes Stadium Club at Saluki Stadium following a $1 million gift to Saluki Athletics from Jamie and Netta Hayes.
The club was named in honor of Jamie Hayes’ father, Jim Hayes, a former Saluki linebacker and longtime supporter of SIU who died in 2018. Hayes came to SIU on a football scholarship in 1961 before later founding Jim Hayes Inc. in Harrisburg.
Renovations to the stadium club include new premium seating, flooring, lighting, furniture, two permanent bars, a TV wall and other upgrades. The space will be used during football games, university events and recruiting activities.
“I wanted to do something special for my dad,” Jamie Hayes said. “I think it’s every kid’s dream to be able to honor his father in some way.”
SIU football coach Nick Hill said Hayes was a loyal supporter of the program and called the renovated club a “first-class facility” that will benefit fans and football recruiting.
The donation is also part of SIU’s Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign, which has raised more than $485 million toward its $500 million goal.
