Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is home to 16 NCAA Division I programs. The First Community Arena at the Vadalabene Center, home of Cougars men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball and wrestling teams, has a hardwood surface, a seating capacity of over 4,000, and has hosted ESPN broadcasts and numerous events, including the IHSA playoffs.

The adjacent Student Fitness Center has five maple hardwood floor sports courts ready for basketball, volleyball, badminton or pickleball. The Center also has a multipurpose court with rubberized floor and inset goals for soccer, futsal, roller hockey, tennis, basketball, volleyball or cricket, as well as three racquetball courts. These same courts can accommodate many unique activities, including arena paintball, dodgeball, bags/corn hole, Quidditch and more.