The arena's roof is suspended by 38 steel cables anchored to the perimeter of the structure.
It is named in honor of B. Ray Thompson and Dr. Edward J. Boling, both significant benefactors of the university.
The basketball floor is known as The Summitt in honor of legendary women's basketball coach Pat Summitt.
The venue contains a unique floor-level club space that offers premium access and views for high-profile events.
The structure occupies a footprint of approximately 420,000 square feet.
In 2023, the facility rebranded to include 'Food City Center' through a long-term naming rights partnership.
Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center serves as the primary multi-purpose indoor venue for the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. The facility functions as the home court for the Tennessee Volunteers men's and women's basketball teams. With a seating capacity exceeding 21,000, it ranks among the largest on-campus basketball arenas in the United States. The structure features a distinctive circular roof design and houses the university's athletics department offices. Beyond sports, the venue hosts major touring concerts, professional wrestling events, and large-scale commencement ceremonies. It is located directly adjacent to the Tennessee River and connected to the campus pedestrian infrastructure. The arena underwent significant renovations to modernize concourses and seating areas to improve the spectator experience. The site is a central hub for major gatherings within the Knoxville metropolitan area.
The main entrance plaza, which features large signage and university-branded displays.
Arrive early to navigate security screenings, as they can be extensive for high-attendance games.
Check the clear bag policy on the official website before heading to the venue, as standard purses are typically prohibited.
Download your digital tickets to your mobile wallet before arriving, as cellular signal can be inconsistent near the gates.
Attempting to bring prohibited items like large bags, professional cameras, or outside food and beverages.
Operations follow the collegiate sports calendar and the concert tour circuit; the venue is generally inactive during mid-summer months.
Standard sportsmanship rules apply; disruptive behavior may lead to ejection.
