Thompson-Boling Arena at the Food City Center is a world-class event venue located in Knoxville, Tennessee. The arena is a popular destination for sports events, concerts, and other live performances. It has been attracting events of all types since it opened its doors in 1987.
The history of Thompson-Boling Arena goes back to the early 1980s when the University of Tennessee first conceived the idea of building an indoor arena as part of its expansion plans. Construction of the arena began in 1985, and it took two years to complete the project. Thompson-Boling Arena was officially opened on December 3, 1987.
Since then, the arena has hosted countless major sporting events, including basketball and volleyball games, wrestling matches, gymnastics competitions, and more. The arena has played host to some of the most popular bands and musicians of our time, such as Taylor Swift, Justin Timberlake, and Elton John, making it one of Tennessee's premier concert venues.
Thompson-Boling Arena has been designed to provide maximum flexibility to accommodate various events and configurations. The arena can seat up to 21,000 people, providing ample space for large-scale events. Its state-of-the-art technology and audiovisual equipment ensure that the experience of every attendee is unforgettable.
One of the unique features of Thompson-Boling Arena is the Betty J. Lawson Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. Located in the arena's concourse, the hall of fame pays tribute to the contributions made by women to the sport of basketball and showcases memorabilia from various eras. Fans of the sport will undoubtedly appreciate the opportunity to step inside and learn about the lives and careers of some of the greatest female players of all time.
Apart from sports and concert events, Thompson-Boling Arena is also ideal for hosting conferences, corporate meetings, and other special events. It has a range of rooms and spaces that can cater to different types of events, including breakout rooms, banquet halls, and catering facilities.
In conclusion, Thompson-Boling Arena at the Food City Center is one of Tennessee's premier event venues and an excellent choice to host a variety of events. From sports to concerts to conferences, the arena offers everything necessary to create an unforgettable event experience. So, if you're looking for a world-class venue to host your next event, Thompson-Boling Arena could be just what you need.