Thompson-Boling Arena

Thompson-Boling Arena. It is a multi-purpose arena located on the campus of the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee. Opened in 1987, it is the primary home venue for the Tennessee Volunteers men's and women's basketball teams. The facility is named for benefactors B. Ray Thompson and H. C. "Babe" Boling and is one of the largest on-campus basketball arenas in the United States.

History

Planning for a new arena began in the early 1980s to replace the outdated Stokely Athletic Center. A significant fundraising campaign was led by university administrators including President Edward J. Boling, for whom the arena is partially named. Major donations came from Knoxville businessman B. Ray Thompson and the H. T. Hackney Company. Construction by Blount International began in 1985 on the site of the former Shields-Watkins Field running track. The arena officially opened on December 3, 1987, with a concert by Alabama and The Judds. Its first basketball game featured the Tennessee Volunteers men's basketball team against the Duke Blue Devils.

Architecture and features

Designed by the architectural firm Gresham, Smith and Partners, the arena's exterior features a distinctive precast concrete facade. The structural engineering was handled by Stanley D. Lindsey and Associates. The main bowl configuration allows for a maximum capacity of 21,678 for basketball, making it the largest such venue in the Southeastern Conference. Notable interior features include a center-hung Daktronics video scoreboard, extensive concourses, and over 40 luxury suites. A major $45 million renovation completed in 2007 added the Pat Summitt Plaza entrance and updated club seating areas. The playing floor is named "The Summitt" in honor of legendary coach Pat Summitt.

Events

Beyond University of Tennessee athletics, the arena hosts a wide variety of events. It is a regular stop for major concert tours by artists such as Elton John, Taylor Swift, U2, and Garth Brooks. The venue has also hosted numerous NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament regional rounds and the Women's Basketball Tournament. Other frequent events include circus performances, Monster Jam truck shows, graduation ceremonies for Knox County Schools, and large-scale religious gatherings led by figures like Billy Graham. It served as a filming location for the 2009 movie *The Blind Side*.

Tennessee Volunteers basketball

The arena is the storied home of the Tennessee Volunteers men's basketball and Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball programs. The men's team, coached by figures like Bruce Pearl and Rick Barnes, has consistently ranked among national leaders in attendance. The women's program, under the legendary Pat Summitt, achieved unparalleled success here, winning multiple National Championships. The venue is known for its intense atmosphere, particularly during rivalry games against the Kentucky Wildcats and Florida Gators. The student section, known as "The Rock," creates a significant home-court advantage.

Management and operations

The arena is owned and operated by the University of Tennessee through its Athletic Department. Day-to-day management falls under the purview of the University of Tennessee Facilities Services department. Primary revenue streams include ticket sales, suite leases, concessions operated by Aramark, and parking. The facility also hosts the University of Tennessee Athletic Hall of Fame. It plays a crucial economic role for the city of Knoxville and regularly collaborates with the Knoxville Tourism & Sports Commission and the Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum to attract major events to the region. Category:Basketball venues in Tennessee Category:University of Tennessee Category:Buildings and structures in Knoxville, Tennessee