Wolstein Center Transition

August 14, 2026

Dear Colleagues,

I’m writing to share an important update about the future of the Wolstein Center.

Effective January 1, 2027, we will transition the Wolstein Center from a multi-purpose venue to a facility dedicated to Cleveland State Athletics, operated by the CSU Athletics Department. Going forward, the building will host Cleveland State Men's and Women's Basketball, select CSU athletic events and CSU Commencement for the remaining life of the building.

This is a strategic realignment as the University works toward the eventual disposition of the Wolstein Center, which is no longer able to serve as a viable multi-purpose entertainment venue due to its age and condition. Consolidating operations under Athletics allows one team to be accountable for game-day operations, facility upkeep and the fan experience from start to finish — the way peer programs run their arenas. This decision follows a deliberate planning process involving the Senior Leadership Team, HR, Finance, and University Marketing and Communications.

To clarify this transition, here is exactly what will change:

• Wolstein Center operations will move from a broader multi-purpose staffing model to a lean, Athletics-managed structure focused on game-day and facility needs.
• Remaining Wolstein staff will transition to Conference Services as of January 1, 2027, and CSU will assume full oversight of Conference Services by March 1, 2027.
• As part of this realignment, a small number of positions are being eliminated. Affected employees are being notified directly and privately by HR, with support through the transition. Out of respect for those individuals, we are not sharing specific positions, names or numbers outside of that direct process.
• Non-athletic bookings will wind down ahead of the transition, with November 7, 2026, as the last special event held at the Wolstein Center (with a few honored exceptions mentioned below). 

And here is how Wolstein operations will remain the same moving forward:

• Cleveland State Basketball continues at the Wolstein Center, with the first contest of the new model on November 1, 2026.
• CSU Commencement will continue to be held at the Wolstein Center, including our upcoming Fall Commencement on December 12, 2026, and Spring Commencement on May 8, 2027.
• To honor our longstanding partnerships, this spring we will host Tri-C and Ursuline College’s commencements, local high school spring graduations, FIRST Robotics and the CSU Washkewicz College of Engineering Design Symposium.

We understand this update may raise questions, and we want to make sure you get accurate answers. 

• Questions about staffing should go to your HR business partner.
• Questions about bookings or events should go to the wolsteincenter@csuohio.edu.
   

Please direct any media inquiries to University Marketing at pr@csuohio.edu rather than responding directly.

We recognize this is a significant change for many of you, and we're committed to supporting a smooth transition. Thank you for your continued dedication to Cleveland State University. 

Sincerely,

Laura Bloomberg, PhD
President