EIU Media Relations

EIU, SBL extend relationship for O’Brien Field improvements

Updates complement longstanding partnership between community partners

(Charleston, IL) – Sarah Bush Lincoln has extended its partnership with Eastern Illinois University to support new video boards and a sound system in O’Brien Stadium, which the attendees of EIU’s first 2024 home football game enjoyed September 7 as the Panthers won their football home opener 27-20 against the Indiana State University Sycamores. The partnership extension complements an earlier April agreement making SBL the healthcare provider of choice for EIU Athletics and its varsity student-athletes.

"I want to thank SBL President and CEO Kim Uphoff and Sarah Bush Lincoln Health System for their ongoing support of EIU,” said EIU President Jay Gatrell. “We are proud to call SBL an EIU partner."

Uphoff explained that supporting its community is an important part of the hospital's mission. "EIU and its athletics programs are an integral part of our community,” Uphoff said. “We're pleased to support EIU, its students and student-athletes, and we're proud to serve as EIU's healthcare provider of choice.”

The Sarah Bush Lincoln logo will continue to adorn the playing surface at O'Brien Field and—as announced last April—Sarah Bush Lincoln will continue its title sponsorship of the EIU Basketball C.A.R.E. games. In the last seven years, the EIU C.A.R.E games garnered more than $75,000 for the SBL Regional Cancer Center to help people fighting cancer.

Sarah Bush Lincoln serves as the Official Health Care Provider of EIU Athletics, caring for athletes' injuries and general medical needs. SBL's Athletic Team Physician provides on-site medical care to EIU home football and basketball, and to all varsity athletes throughout the year. 

Strengthening the SBL investments in O’Brien stadium and other EIU Athletics facilities are a series of capital investments from the Illinois Capital Development Board and private donors that have already or will soon take place, including new field turf and powder-coating of stadium railing, resurfaced tennis courts, replacement of the field house roof and sections of the Lantz roof, and an update to the brick facade at Coaches Baseball Field.

Sarah Bush Lincoln is a 150-bed, not-for-profit, regional two-hospital system centrally located in East Central Illinois' Coles County, and offers a full range of healthcare services including orthopedics, cardiology, oncology, robotic surgery, obstetrics and many other specialties. It is the recipient of the 2024 Women's Choice Award for Orthopedics, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Cardiology services and Patient Experience, and is a Magnet designated hospital.

Eastern Illinois competes in NCAA Division I and is a member of the Ohio Valley Conference with affiliate membership in The Summit League and Horizon League.

EIU prepares students to accomplish their life goals through a combination of quality academics, personal relationships, and both on-campus and online learning opportunities. For more information about Eastern Illinois University, including its broad array of academic and career readiness programs, or any of EIU’s other community-based services and opportunities, visit eiu.edu or call EIU’s public information office at (217) 581-7400.