Over the past six months, Eastern University's indoor competition space has undergone major changes. Though outside visitors are not yet able to enjoy the upgrades, the newly renovated Nest is ready for when indoor competition returns.

Eastern teams have long enjoyed a home-court advantage. Over the past 20 years, Eastern Women's Volleyball is 278-19. Over the past four years, Eastern Men's Basketball has won at an 80 percent clip in the friendly confines of its home gym.

Eastern Athletic Director Eric McNelley wanted to see that home court advantage continue and set out to improve the the functionality of the facility while making the experience more fan-friendly and accessible.

There are several substantial improvements that will make for a better fan experience. Perhaps the most obvious is the installation of new bleachers and the video scoreboard on the opposite wall. The bleachers are branded with an athletics logo and colors, are safer and more comfortable for all spectators, and provide wheelchair accessible areas. The new structures have hand rails built in and will be easier to clean than the wooden bleachers that were over 30 years old.

The video board allows for a live camera feed, pre-made videos, and integrated scoring to keep fans updated on stats. The board shows video at 4K and is integrated with the gym's new sound system. That system is fully integrated with the new and energy-efficient LED lighting system and can be used for Athletics and other campus events. The LED Lights turn on and off quickly and can be adjusted to for both practices and games. The sound system accepts a variety of inputs and is specifically balanced to prevent feedback and or other glitches.

On the court, players will see new scoreboards, shot clocks, and basketball goals. The baskets retract more fully to give more space for volleyball and other activities.

A fresh coat of paint and the refinishing and rebranding of the floor also make the gym brighter and more usable. There are some final decorating touches that will get added over the coming months, but The Nest is ready for competition as soon as it resumes.

Men's Basketball will have an inter-squad scrimmage this Friday night at 7:00 pm. That scrimmage will be streamed on Youtube.