The Tennessee State Building Commission approved another $2.5 million to go toward the renovation of Thompson-Boling Arena.
Phase I of the project, which includes new seats for the entire arena, a center-hung scoreboard and concourse refurbishments, cost approximately $17.25 million and is scheduled to be complete by the start of the season.
"The $2.5 million approved is for Phase II,'' said John Currie, UT's senior associate athletics director for external operations. "The first priority for Phase II is the food courts and the expansion of the concourses on the east and west ends of the arena.''
Phase II also includes an improved lighting system and new ticket kiosks according to a previous university release.
The original estimated budget was $20 million, and might still reach or surpass that, Currie said.
"These projects are fluid, so as the design process evolves, we may ask for more money,'' he said. "Cost of construction materials might evolve as well.''
State legislation is such that UT must go before the state building commission for approval even though the facility project is privately funded. Tennessee is one of fewer than 10 intercollegiate programs in the country that receives no funds from state subsidies or taxes.
"Overall this project has been very well managed from a budget standpoint and cost expectations have been stable,'' Currie said. "Most importantly, we'll hit our deadline for the opening of the arena for the 2007-08 season, even though it has been an extremely complex project.''
Currie said Phase II is scheduled to begin after the Vols and Lady Vols finish this season. It will be completed in the fall of 2008.
Blaine Construction is handling the Thompson-Boling Arena renovations, which began in March, while Johnson & Galyon is working on the addition of the $16 million Pratt Pavilion practice facility.
Currie said the practice facility will be ready for the teams Oct. 12.
"Both our (basketball) teams have a history of being very accessible, but the facilities aren't completely done, so practices won't be open to the public at that time,'' Currie said. "The practice facility isn't really set up for accommodating fans.''
The Vols and Lady Vols will, however, hold some practices at Thompson-Boling Arena, where fans will be welcome.
Currie said those wishing to attend games might want to consider spending $154 on a season ticket. Fewer than 1,000 remain. Tickets for individual games will go on sale Oct. 10, and Currie expects many of the significant games to sell out quickly.
Capacity at the arena will fall from 24,535 to somewhere between 21,000 and 22,000 as a result of addition of luxury boxes.
The Vols drew more than 21,000 fans to four games last season, and they play host to defending Big Ten champ Ohio State as well as conference rivals Florida, Kentucky, Arkansas and Georgia this season.
"All of the remaining season tickets are upper bowl,'' Currie said. "But they are all chair-back seats, and the Jumbotron and center hung scoreboard will completely change the experience for the fans.''
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Comments » 11
GreerVol22 writes:
Well...you read a story about visiting hospitals and building character, then you read this...
Voldemort writes:
What's that supposed to mean?
knoxtenor writes:
It means that, in the end, UT isn't an institute of higher learning where kids go to study principles they'll use to selflessly serve mankind. Instead, it's a giant, greedy corporate monster, just like all other giant, greedy corporate monsters, in which the goal is to serve the almighty dollar and one's self. "Why, yes, Mr. Haslam, right this way. Your skybox is ready... and that's 'Tennessee,' with two Ns, two Ss, and two Es."
Chainsaw writes:
Incoherent Vol-bashing.
Voldemort writes:
Who pulled your chain wewhite? The question was for GreerVol22. wewhite, this question is for you. If you have a home or building, or any other asset, and do nothing to ever improve it, ultimately what is the value of the asset?
GreerVol22 writes:
Voldemort, wewhite is a little more passionate about it than I am. But I simply inferred that we cut down the amazon and complain when a species goes extinct, we buy bigger cars and complain about ozone and the polar caps melting, and we build bigger arenas for our petty amusement while parents of these kids in the hospital lose their homes paying off medical bills. But hey, what the heck do I know? I'm just another smuck that thinks that black seats will look good on TV too!
Voldemort writes:
It is awful that children suffer with illnesses, many with unimaginable pain. It is terrible that their parents lose everything watching them suffer.
It is great that the players try in some small way to give back.
It is business to renovate the arena.
It is news that both stories happened on the same day.
ElizabethtonvolnNC writes:
Well put Voldemort.....
BOASoldier writes:
I guess since others have problems and their own crosses to carry that we should all give to those in need everything we have til everyone is equal... that is communism just so you know. I believe in helping others, but to get pissed cause a school upgrades it's own stadium.... whaaaaa!!!
GreerVol22 writes:
agreed...
vol4jesus writes:
Building blocks....Tonka toys.... puzzles....Arenas....ah the games people play.The important thing in life many times get overshadowed by our trivial pursuits...sports, investments,etc. I know a dear friend in New York lost his daughter ,who is the same age as my son, in a car accident yesterday. In perspective,family,friends, and faith are all that really matter in the big picture.
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