Thompson Boling Arena Events

Crowds are drawn in from all across Tennessee and Knoxville to attend the great entertainment events hosted by Thompson Boling Arena each and every week. See below for a full list of all upcoming events taking place in Knoxville at the Thompson Boling Arena. Click on the “Buy Tickets” button to select your seats and secure your Thompson-Boling Arena tickets today.

This site is not an official ticket seller of University of Tennessee. This site links to resale tickets for events at the Thompson Boling Arena.

Check back regularly for the latest announcements and more event updates.

Thompson Boling Arena offers a huge selection of events to choose from. Note that ticket prices may vary depending on seat location, VIP tickets, last minute orders, different performers etc.

Seating configurations may also change depending on the type of Thompson Boling Arena event. Individual event seating charts can be viewed when selecting your tickets.

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The Entertainment Experiences You Can Expect at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tennessee

You’ll encounter different experiences depending on the type of event you attend at Thompson-Boling Arena. Basketball games create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in college sports because the student section, known for its creativity and intensity, sets the tone for the entire arena. You’ll witness coordinated chants, thunderous applause, and an energy level that makes the building shake during crucial moments.

At the same time, concert experiences at Food City Center showcase the venue’s versatility and technical sophistication. The acoustics work surprisingly well for a basketball arena, with careful engineering to minimize echo and maximize clarity. Artists and production teams praise the facility’s capabilities, which translate to better experiences for audiences and an atmosphere that can vary dramatically across different configurations.

You’ll notice the venue can feel intimate during center-stage concert setups, despite its massive capacity. The sightlines from most seating areas provide clear views of the stage or court. Concertgoers rave about how the lighting designers utilize the venue’s rigging capabilities to create spectacular visual experiences that enhance each performance, so be sure to arrive early to fully experience the pre-event atmosphere. 

As you navigate the arena, you’ll find the concourses buzzing with excited fans purchasing merchandise or refreshments. The venue’s upgraded video boards display pre-game or pre-show content, building this anticipation. You’ll also notice helpful guest services staff and security personnel maintaining a visible presence without being intrusive. 

The arena’s crowd management systems keep traffic flowing smoothly during busy periods. You can expect efficient entry and exit procedures that will minimize any potential frustration and maximize your enjoyment at this popular entertainment venue.

Thompson-Boling Arena Events: What You’ll Experience Throughout the Year

You’re experiencing more than a venue when you visit Thompson-Boling Arena; you’re participating in an institution central to Knoxville’s identity. The venue functions as an emergency shelter during natural disasters and community crises. It also hosts job fairs, health screenings, and public gatherings that serve regional needs. 

It’s no surprise that academic integration means student involvement in the venue’s various operations is a focus. Events provide invaluable experience for those studying hospitality, sports management, and related fields that require hands-on training. Typically, you’re served by staff members who have personal connections to the university and who are genuinely invested in providing arena guests with positive experiences.

Locals and visitors appreciate that they can attend diverse events at Thompson-Boling Arena across all seasons. The venue’s programming reflects its versatility and appeal to varied interests. 

Basketball Season

Are you ready to witness college basketball at its finest? The Tennessee Volunteers games from November through March showcase men’s and women’s basketball programs for the Southeastern Conference and more. The atmosphere during rivalry games reaches incredible intensity levels that make Thompson-Boling Arena legendary, so secure tickets early for popular games.

Concert Tours

You can experience major touring artists when they stop at Food City Center, from country music stars and rock bands to pop performers and other diverse musical acts. You’ll enjoy professional production quality with spectacular lighting, sound, and staging that rivals any venue in the region.

Family Entertainment

Families flock to Thompson-Boling Arena for shows designed specifically for younger audiences. The venue hosts Disney on Ice productions, monster truck events, circus performances, and more. Pricing may prove to be more accessible for family shows, allowing you to create memories by bringing the whole family along.

Special Events

You might also attend special events like wrestling competitions, motivational speakers, comedians, or unique performances at Thompson-Boling Arena. The venue’s flexibility allows it to host nearly any indoor event requiring a large capacity.

Tennessee Volunteers Basketball Is Thompson-Boling Arena’s Heart and Soul

You can’t fully understand Thompson-Boling Arena without recognizing its role as the home to the Tennessee Volunteers. The facility was purpose-built for this program and creates one of college basketball’s most spectacular environments. Men’s and women’s teams have forged legendary histories within these walls that continue today.

Game Day Atmosphere

You’ll experience something unique by attending a Tennessee basketball game at Thompson-Boling Arena. The crowd’s knowledge and passion create a genuine impact on game outcomes, and it’s often an unforgettable experience.

You should arrive early to witness the pre-game rituals, team warm-ups, and the building energy as tip-off approaches. The video introductions, light shows, and crowd participation create electric moments even before games begin.

Tennessee Basketball Traditions

You can participate in traditions that connect current fans with decades of Tennessee basketball history. Join in the singing of “Rocky Top” that echoes through the arena after victories and during momentum-building moments. You might even learn cheers and chants that the crowd coordinates throughout games. 

The strong connection between students, alumni, and community fans creates an inclusive atmosphere. Everyone contributes to the home-court advantage.

Top-Notch Concert Venue Excellence at Food City Center

Besides sports, you’ll discover that Thompson-Boling Arena ranks among the Southeast’s premier concert venues when major tours route through the region. In particular, the facility’s technical capabilities and Knoxville’s central location make it attractive to touring artists and their production teams.

Sound Quality

You can expect excellent sound quality during musical performances at Thompson-Boling Arena despite its basketball arena design. Significant investments in sound systems and acoustic treatments minimize the challenges inherent in multi-purpose facilities. 

Take time to appreciate how the engineers customize sound for each performance, optimizing the setup for specific musical styles and artist requirements. The results rival dedicated concert halls.

Production Capabilities

You’ll witness spectacular production elements made possible by Thompson-Boling Arena’s technical infrastructure. The rigging systems support elaborate lighting displays and scenic elements that major tours demand. 

Audiences benefit from the venue’s ability to accommodate full touring productions without compromises. Artists can present shows exactly as designed rather than scaled-down versions limited by venue capabilities. Artists often praise Thompson-Boling Arena for its atmosphere and audiences, which makes sense given how Knoxville crowds have earned a reputation as enthusiastic and engaged. 

Why not take the opportunity to contribute to this vibe by bringing genuine enthusiasm and appreciation to the concerts, games, or events you choose to attend at Thompson-Boling Arena?