Tennessee planning interior, exterior additions to go with Thompson-Boling Arena's new name
Thompson-Boling Arena will be getting more than a new name after Tennessee athletic director Danny White sold the naming rights to Food City. The newly christened Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center will also be getting some important upgrades.
While announcing the new name on Wednesday morning, the Vols also noted that additions planned for the arena include “a state-of-the-art center-hung video board,” new club amenities, updates to the Ray Mears Room and modernization of the arena’s exterior that will make it look “more in line with Tennessee’s other athletics venues.”
Learfield and The Vol Network, Tennessee’s multimedia partner, negotiated the agreement between the school and Food City. It pays $20 million to Tennessee over the next 10 years and, according to Tennessee’s press release, “will aid in the new and needed renovations to the arena and upgrades to the facility’s interior and exterior.”
“These improvements,” the Vols wrote in the press release, “will significantly enhance the fan experience while attending any Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center event on the UT campus.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Food City on this transformative naming rights opportunity, the first of its kind for Tennessee Athletics,” Tennessee athletic director Danny White said in a press release.
“Food City is a neighborhood partner who knows our state and region extremely well and has been a key partner for Tennessee Athletics for nearly 30 years. Food City is a valued member of our community and bleeds orange, and we look forward to taking this partnership to another level. I want to thank the Smith family, as well as the Food City team for this long-term partnership.”
Tennessee’s first athletic event in the newly named arena will be the volleyball program’s season-opening match against Texas State in the Tennessee Classic on Friday.
Thompson-Boling Arena opened in 1987 and is home to the Tennessee men’s and women’s basketball programs, as well as the volleyball program. It’s named for the late B. Ray Thompson and former University of Tennessee president Dr. Edward J. Boling.
The arena underwent its biggest renovation in 2007, including the addition of premium suites and premium loge seating.
The Tennessee men’s and women’s basketball programs are a combined 947-196 (.829). The Lady Vols are 508-56 (.901) at home while the Vols are 439-140 (.758).
Rick Barnes, entering his ninth season as head coach of the Vols, has a 108-22 record at Thompson-Boling Arena, including 25 straight wins from March 2021 to January 2023. Tennessee was a perfect 16-0 at home during the 2021-22 season and went 18-0 in 2018-19.
“I’ve long said that Thompson-Boling Arena gives us an elite homecourt advantage, and Food City clearly recognizes that,” Barnes said in a statement. “This is an extraordinary commitment by a wonderful partner that will not just elevate Tennessee gamedays, but it’s an investment that will also enhance the student-athlete experience across all our sports.
“We appreciate Food City for stepping up and supporting Tennessee Athletics in a way that is truly transformational.”
