Tennessee Athletics Unveils Bold Plans for Game-Changing Renovations at Food City Center
Tennessee Athletics is prioritizing an enhanced fan experience, as Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Danny White has revealed exciting upgrades planned for Food City Center, scheduled for completion ahead of the 2025-26 basketball season.
“We take immense pride in having the most dedicated and passionate fanbase in all of sports. Our commitment to enhancing their experience is unwavering, and these upcoming changes reflect that dedication,” White expressed.
“The renovations will modernize Food City Center and significantly elevate the atmosphere for every person attending our events.”
These upgrades come as part of a broader, multi-year agreement with Food City, a long-time corporate partner of Tennessee Athletics.
The partnership, finalized in 2023, saw the university’s on-campus arena rebranded as Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center.
As part of the deal, major improvements to the facility will be made, aimed at providing fans with an even better game day experience.
Among the anticipated renovations, fans will see the installation of state-of-the-art video boards and an upgraded sound system.
A key addition will be the Riverside Club, a premium area located on the lower level of the arena, which will offer 1,500 new seats access to a revamped space featuring diverse food and beverage options.
The Riverside Club will also provide an exclusive socializing area, where guests can relax before the game or during halftime.
Starting in the summer of 2025, a new center-hung video board will be unveiled, alongside corner boards and a 360-degree LED ribbon display that will surround the entire arena.
The new center-hung board will feature much larger screens on all four sides and an upgraded bottom ring for enhanced viewing.
The addition of interior boards will further improve live video visibility for those seated courtside and in the lower bowl of the arena.
Additionally, four corner boards will be installed within the seating area, each displaying live video, game scores, and statistical updates to keep fans informed throughout the game.
In terms of audio upgrades, the sound system will be completely overhauled with the installation of high-performance speaker arrays that will deliver a more even and immersive sound experience throughout the venue.
The new system will ensure that premium suite areas receive clearer and more consistent audio, and new speakers will be placed in concourses and restrooms to maintain sound coverage throughout the arena.
These changes reflect Tennessee Athletics’ commitment to continuously improving its facilities and creating an unmatched atmosphere for fans attending games and events.
With these extensive upgrades, Food City Center will be transformed into an even more modern, fan-friendly venue that elevates the overall experience for everyone in attendance.
