Lantz Arena serves as the home for EIU men's basketball, women's basketball and volleyball. The venue seats 5,400 people and is also used for concerts, conventions and graduation ceremonies. In 2007, EIU had its first nationally televised game played in Lantz Arena when the men's basketball team hosted Samford University on February 3 in a game broadcast by ESPN2.
The Arena was named in honor of Charles Lantz a long time coach and educator at the university. Housed within the complex are Lantz Arena, Lantz Indoor Fieldhouse, Ray Padovan Pool, new Panther Athletic Academic Center, student recreation center and offices for athletic staff and physical education instructors.