JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — A 10-year deal to keep East Tennessee State University men's basketball playing at Freedom Hall Civic Center would give ETSU naming rights for the inside of the arena, with the Johnson City Commission set to consider the agreement Thursday.

ETSU plans to use any funds raised through naming rights to upgrade video boards and audio technology inside the venue, which seats nearly 6,500 for basketball games. An agenda item for Thursday's commission meeting shows an estimate of $1.6 million for the video improvements ETSU would like to complete.

“Those improvements are also available for the public events the city hosts at Freedom Hall, so it’s a great partnership,” Johnson City Mayor Greg Cox told News Channel 11 Wednesday.

ETSU Athletic Director Richard Sander

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