[rmjvol]

The University of Tennessee Athletics Department announced plans today for improvements to Thompson-Boling Assembly Center and Arena. This will be 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.

The renovations will be completed in two phases. Phase I will begin in March 2007 and include new seats for the entire arena, a center hung scoreboard and concourse refurbishments, 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.

Phase I will also include new luxury suites and loge seating, which are a primary funding source for much of the renovations. The 32 luxury suites will be located in the existing north balcony of Thompson-Boling Arena. The loge area will feature 166 side court seats, located directly below the luxury suites, and include private adjoining hospitality areas. Phase I will be completed prior to November 1, 2007. The arena will be shut down for events during the majority of the construction period.

Phase II is scheduled to include a new lighting system, new ticket kiosks and new food courts.