McDonald Hall and Arena is the home of several academic programs – esports, exercise science, physical education, sport and recreation administration, masters of kinesiology and of studios for theatre and dance. The building also has classrooms, offices, fitness and recreation spaces.

McDonald Hall and Arena was built in 1940 with resources from President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Work Projects Administration. It served as Missouri State University’s central indoor arena until Hammons Student Center opened in 1976.