Thompson Boling Arena Information
When Thompson-Boling Arena opened in 1987, it was one of the largest facilities ever built specifically for basketball in the United States with an incredible capacity of 24,535. Ever since then, the multi-purpose arena has kept fans coming back for more by offering a wide-open space with plenty of rooms for fans to cheer on their favorite players at every event. The arena has become home for the Tennessee Volunteers and Lady Vols basketball teams, the Lady Vols volleyball team since 2008, and has hosted a wide variety of musical shows and special events. It has become the heart of live entertainment in Knoxville, Tennessee.
The arena owes its name to B. Ray Thompson and Dr. Edward J. Boling, who were both important to the university over its lifetime. The basketball court is named “The Summitt” after the late Lady Vols basketball coach Pat Summitt. The entire venue was designed to replace the Stokely Athletic Center when the venue’s age demanded replacement to keep up with NCAA standards and the needs of modern audiences and fans.
Ever since its construction, several famous events have come to the venue. This includes the record-breaking crowd of 24,653 for a Lady Vols victory over UConn on January 7, 2006, which was a record for NCAA regular-season women’s games. The venue also hosted the 1989 Southeastern Conference men’s basketball tournament, as well as several games of the NCAA men’s basketball tournaments in 1990, 1994, and 1999 as well as the 1999 NCAA Women’s Final Four. The venue also hosts Knoxville’s annual Living Christmas Tree event. The venue also made history when it became the site of Pat Summitt’s 1,000th win when the Tennessee Lady Vols defeated the Georgia Bulldogs 73-43 on February 5, 2009.
One other exceptional note is that under certain arrangements, the venue can hold up to 25,000 people when serving as a concert venue making it the largest arena in Tennessee since its opening.
Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center represents one of the Southeast’s most versatile and celebrated entertainment destinations. Located on the University of Tennessee campus, this facility serves as the home court for the Tennessee Volunteers and a premier concert venue in Knoxville, Tennessee. The arena’s 21,678-seat capacity makes it one of the largest basketball arenas in the United States and a space able to host intimate yet powerful musical performances and special events.
The facility underwent renovations that began in 2007 and then a significant rebranding in 2023, emerging as Food City Center while maintaining its historic Thompson-Boling Arena name. The change aimed to reflect the proud legacy coupled with a forward-thinking approach to creating better guest experiences. Thanks to the improvements, visits now include upgraded concessions, great accessibility, and enhanced technology features.
What hasn’t changed is the arena’s convenient central location on campus, which provides easy access to parking, nearby hotels, and Knoxville’s vibrant downtown district. Whether you’re securing event tickets for a basketball game or a major concert tour, Thompson-Boling Arena effortlessly delivers an experience that combines Southern hospitality with big-venue excitement.
Tap Into Decades of Memorable Moments at the Knoxville Arena
Thompson-Boling Arena opened its doors in 1987, immediately becoming a landmark facility for the University of Tennessee. The preservation of the arena’s distinctive architectural features ensures you still feel the connection to its storied past. The founders named it after B. Ray Thompson and the former university president Edward J. Boling, confirming its strong ties with the academic community.
The arena replaced Stokely Athletics Center as the home for the Tennessee Volunteers basketball team due to its impressive capacity and modern amenities. The women’s basketball program also called Thompson-Boling Arena home during its dynasty years, capturing multiple national championships while setting attendance records. Over the years, the space has witnessed countless memorable moments in college basketball history, including the legendary Tennessee coach Pat Summitt leading the Lady Vols to national prominence.
You’ll notice an almost intimidating atmosphere in the arena, which has contributed to one of the sport’s most dominant home-court advantages. However, major concerts continue to grace the Thompson-Boling Arena stage, hosting everyone from country music icons to rock legends. Beyond entertainment, this venue hosts graduation ceremonies for thousands of University of Tennessee students, political rallies, religious gatherings, and special events, all of which have defined moments in the region’s history.
The naming rights partnership with Food City represents the venue’s evolution into a landmark destination that holds tradition in one hand and progress in the other. The rebranding came with facility improvements, including upgraded seating, improved technology infrastructure, and modernized amenities. It was important to maintain the essential character of the place while addressing aging infrastructure, and you’ll appreciate how it has achieved a fine balance between honoring history and embracing innovation.
A Few of Thompson-Boling Arena’s Most Loved Amenities
Thompson-Boling Arena has built its reputation as one of college basketball’s most energetic venues, and you’ll understand why the moment you step inside for a Tennessee Volunteers game. The venue’s design amplifies crowd noise, creating a home-court advantage that consistently ranks among the nation’s best. You’ll quickly see how the roar of orange-clad fans creates an atmosphere that opposing teams can’t ignore.
Beyond basketball, the arena has established itself as a destination for major entertainment acts touring through the Southeast. You’ll find the venue’s calendar filled with diverse programming, from contemporary pop artists to family-friendly shows with professional-grade staging, lighting, and sound systems.
The amenities at the arena reflect its commitment to guest comfort and convenience. You’ll have access to multiple concession stands offering traditional fare alongside local favorites. Embracing modern technology means cashless payment systems that streamline your purchasing experience, along with mobile ticketing and entry processes to reduce your wait times and improve overall flow for the large crowds.
Many visitors also appreciate the venue’s attention to accessibility, with designated seating areas, accessible restrooms, and services for guests with disabilities to ensure that everyone can enjoy events comfortably. The venue also offers family restrooms.
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