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Getting the Most From Your Thompson-Boling Arena Visit

You can maximize your event experience by following some practical strategies. This means knowing when to arrive, how to get around inside the arena, ensuring your tickets are ready, and more. Find tips below to prepare for a seamless experience at Thompson-Boling Arena:

Timing Your Arrival

It’s helpful to arrive early before major events at Thompson-Boling Arena, especially if you’d like to avoid stress and soak in the pre-event atmosphere. Buffer time accommodates any potential parking challenges, the security screening, and any concession visits you need to make before locating your seats. You’ll want to skip much of the entry rush that peaks about 30 minutes before start times.

Try to arrive around 60 to 90 minutes early before major events so you have plenty of time to find your seats and navigate the venue without rushing.

Navigation and Amenities

You’ll find Thompson-Boling Arena relatively easy to navigate despite its impressive size. Concourse signage directs you to seating sections, restrooms, concession stands, and emergency exits. Family restrooms provide a good option for small children, and if needed, you can locate guest services stations throughout the facility for help or more information.

Mobile Technology

If you’d like to maximize your time at Thompson-Boling Arena, you can do so by embracing mobile technology throughout the process. For example:

  • » Use digital tickets through your smartphone to expedite entry and eliminate concerns about lost paper tickets. 

  • » Download the venue’s app for real-time updates, interactive seating charts, and special offers. 

  • » Take advantage of the mobile ordering system at select concession stands that lets you skip lines by ordering from your seat. 

The extensive Wi-Fi coverage throughout Thompson-Boling Arena should allow you to stay connected during events, as the network handles high-density usage well. With this connectivity, you can easily share your experiences at the arena on social media, check scores from other games, schedule your rideshare pickup, or coordinate with separated party members.

Weather Considerations

If you’re local to the Knoxville area, you know that it’s essential to dress correctly for the weather when walking around downtown. Winter events at Thompson-Boling Arena may mean you have to factor in the cold, rain, or occasional snow during walks to and from parking areas or downtown. While the indoor venue is climate-controlled, it’s still best to bring layers in case you get chilly.

The summer concerts bring heat and humidity that make indoor climate systems necessary. Because of this, you should take into account the season and your plans, and dress appropriately to handle the outdoor segments of your visit after the comfortable arena temperatures. Layers often work well since you can adjust for comfort once inside.

We recommend wearing comfortable shoes if you plan on walking from downtown.

Special Event Considerations

You might attend special events at Thompson-Boling Arena beyond standard basketball games and concerts. Graduation ceremonies, family shows, and unique performances each create different atmospheres and expectations. 

Research specific event details, as policies and procedures sometimes vary from standard operations. Graduation ceremonies typically restrict bags of certain types and may require earlier arrival due to different security screening protocols.

Extending Your Stay in Knoxville

You might spend your pre-event time exploring downtown Knoxville’s shops, galleries, and restaurants. The approximately one-mile distance from downtown to Thompson-Boling Arena creates a great connection between the city center attractions and the venue. 

You can enjoy lunch on Market Square, visit museums, or walk along the Tennessee River before heading to your event. You can also discover more of what makes Knoxville special by extending your visit beyond single events. Great Smoky Mountains National Park sits less than 40 miles away, offering world-class hiking, scenic drives, and the natural beauty that’s all part of East Tennessee’s broader appeal.