University of Tennessee Athletics
TBA, Pratt Pavilion Construction Going Well
October 17, 2007 | Men's Basketball
The University of Tennessee Athletics Department announced Wednesday that renovations to Thompson-Boling Assembly Center and Arena and construction of Pratt Pavilion Basketball Practice Facility are going well.
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This is the first major renovation to Thompson-Boling Arena since it opened in 1987.?? In that time more than 13 million patrons have attended thousands of arena events, including basketball games, concerts, UT and high school graduations and other special events.
Pratt Pavilion will house two full size gymnasiums, one each for the men's and women's basketball teams, as well as space for sports medicine, strength training, film study and recruiting. The facility is still under construction; however, both teams were able to begin practice in the facility on Friday, Oct. 12.?? The building is scheduled for full completion in November.
Funding for the project is coming from donors to the Campaign for Tennessee Basketball and revenue from new premium seating areas such as Thompson-Boling Arena luxury suites and loge seats. The projected cost for the renovations is estimated at $20 million with construction of Pratt Pavilion estimated at $16 million.
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???Thompson-Boling Arena has been the home to Tennessee???s basketball teams for almost 20 years.?? It has served student-athletes, fans and coaches well. It is time now to prepare Thompson -Boling Arena for the next 20 years and enhance the fan experience while creating a more competitive environment for both basketball teams,??? said Mike Hamilton, men???s athletic director.
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The renovations will be completed in two phases.?? Phase I began in March 2007 and includes new seats for the entire arena, a center hung scoreboard and concourse refurbishment, such as graphics and other amenities. Another key element of Phase I is adding load bearing capacity to the arena roof structure, which is no longer adequate for some modern touring production requirements, and painting the ceiling tiles black.
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???Keeping Thompson-Boling Arena competitive and viable for touring events is an important aspect of the renovation.?? The arena???s load bearing capacity for concert equipment such as speaker towers and video boards is no longer sufficient for many performers??? shows,??? said Hamilton.?? ???These renovations will make Thompson-Boling a much more attractive venue for concerts and other performances for years to come.???
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Phase I also includes new luxury suites and loge seating, which are a primary funding source for much of the renovations.?? The 32 luxury suites are located in the existing north balcony of Thompson-Boling Arena.?? The loge area features 166 side court seats, located directly below the luxury suites, and includes private adjoining hospitality areas.?? Most of Phase I is already complete, with crews currently putting finishing touches on the luxury suites.?? Concourse graphics will continue to be added through November.
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??The arena reopens this weekend with the Kerbela Shrine Circus.?? The men???s basketball opens their season in Thompson-Boling on Friday, Nov. 1 with the Lady Vols opening the season on Sunday, Nov. 4.?? UT will hold an open house on Saturday, Nov. 3 from 1-3 p.m. to give fans in town for the football game a chance to see the renovations.
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???We appreciate the donors and fans who continue to provide the tools we need to give our student-athletes the best possible experience.?? Thompson-Boling Arena has always been a great arena and these improvements will make it even better," said Pat Summitt, head women???s basketball coach.
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Phase II is scheduled to include a new lighting system, new ticket kiosks and new food courts.
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???The renovations and updates to Thompson-Boling Arena really exemplify the strong support and emphasis our university and athletic administers place on Tennessee basketball. With the construction of Pratt Pavilion and now the arena renovations the University of Tennessee is making a statement that basketball is a top priority here,??? said Bruce Pearl, head men???s basketball coach. ???Our fans have demonstrated by their support of our basketball programs that these improvements are necessary.???
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???This is such an exciting time for Tennessee basketball. We have two great coaches in Bruce Pearl and Pat Summitt, we are building a multi-million dollar practice facility, and now we are improving Thompson-Boling Arena so that it will maintain its status as one of the finest arenas in the country,??? said Joan Cronan, women???s athletic director.
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For more information on Thompson-Boling Arena renovations, log onto utsports.com or utladyvols.com
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The University of Tennessee athletics department is one of less than 10 intercollegiate programs in the country that receives no funds from state subsidies or taxes.
