KNOXVILLE — Visitors to the University of Tennessee’s Thompson-Boling Arena for this year’s basketball season will see new construction activity next door.
Preliminary site work has begun for the new Pratt Pavilion indoor basketball practice facility, located west of the arena at the southeast corner of Philip Fulmer Drive and Lake Loudoun Boulevard.
Construction activity has closed the sidewalk on the east side of Lake Loudoun between Neyland Drive and Philip Fulmer Drive and removed parking spaces west of the arena.
Once completed, the Pratt Pavilion will include two full-size gymnasia, one each for the men’s and women’s teams, plus space for sports medicine, strength training, film study and recruiting.
Standard security measures remain in place for Thompson-Boling Arena this season.
“Our protective measures are working well at the basketball arena, and we will continue them while always looking for ways to improve our security,” said Senior Associate Vice Chancellor Jeff Maples.
“We want to provide a safe and secure environment with minimal impact on fans and arena guests,” he said, “and we think most people are pleased with the results.”
For this season, standard security measures for Thompson-Boling Arena are as follows:
• For UT men’s games, gates will open 90 minutes before tip off. Gates will open 60 minutes before tip off for women’s basketball games. UT students will be required to enter the arena at the gates off the west ramp.
• Large bags, backpacks and other large parcels are not allowed in Thompson-Boling Arena. Artificial noisemakers also are prohibited.
• Radios with headphones, other small electronic devices and diaper bags accompanied by an infant are permitted in the arena.
• All items are subject to search or inspection and hand-held metal detectors may be used.
The regular season for the Vol men’s team begins tonight at 7:30 p.m. They will host the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State University. The Lady Vols start the regular season Sunday, Nov. 12, at 3 p.m., hosting the Lady Mocs of UT-Chattanooga.
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Contact: Jeff Maples (865-974-3061)
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