Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center
Arena or ballpark in Knoxville, Tennessee
- Knoxville, TN
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- Arena or ballpark
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About Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center
Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center is the University of Tennessee’s large indoor arena on the Knoxville campus. Tennessee men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball share the building with touring concerts, commencement ceremonies and special events. Opened in 1987, the arena has a published basketball capacity of 21,678. Visitors should distinguish athletic-game arrangements from concert arrangements: the parking plan, doors, floor seating and stage location can all depend on the event.
1600 Phillip Fulmer Way SW, Knoxville, TN 37996
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Plan Your Visit to Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center
Does the concert layout match basketball seating?
The seating bowl surrounds the basketball court for games, while concerts can use a stage and temporary floor configuration. The published basketball capacity is not a guarantee of concert capacity or an unobstructed view from every section. Select seats from the actual concert or game map.
What is the parking plan?
Use 1600 Phillip Fulmer Way SW for the arena. Concert and special-event parking is currently listed at $20, payable by card, in adjacent lots and garages. The university advises allowing extra driving time and arriving at least 30–45 minutes before the event, with more time when campus traffic is heavy.
Athletic events have their own parking instructions. Volleyball guidance, for example, identifies G5/G30 and limited G10 parking rather than applying the concert charge universally. Follow the sport and date-specific campus map.
Which guest services are available?
Accessible seating and restrooms are distributed throughout the arena. Assistive listening devices can be requested from arena management with photo identification held until return. Contact management early about access needs and at least two weeks ahead for sign-language interpretation.
Accessible parking exists in surrounding lots but is limited and first-come, first-served. Main entrance gates sit at the top of the pedestrian ramps on the east and west sides; the street-level ticket office is off Phillip Fulmer Way. Ask staff about the best entrance for your seat and mobility needs.
Which bags can I bring?
The clear-bag limit is 12 by 6 by 12 inches, or a one-gallon clear resealable bag. A small clutch up to 4.5 by 6.5 inches is also allowed. Medical items are screened, and medical-bag checks are directed to Gate D. Diaper supplies belong in a permitted clear bag.
Walk-through metal detectors are used at arena entrances. The building prohibits re-entry, smoking and vaping. Concert photography rules vary by artist, so check the event instructions before bringing equipment.
What help and concessions are inside?
Permanent concession stands and selected portable locations serve food and drinks. First-aid rooms are behind Sections 115 and 127, and the customer-service window is inside Gate E. Door times differ by sport and concerts may set their own schedule; use the event’s published doors rather than a general assumption.
Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center FAQs
Is this the home of the Lady Vols?
Yes. Tennessee women’s basketball plays here, alongside men’s basketball and volleyball.
Is parking identical for every event?
No. Concerts, special events and individual sports can have different parking rules and charges.
Can I re-enter after going outside?
No. The arena has a no-re-entry policy.
Where are medical bags checked?
The published arena policy directs medical-bag checks to Gate D on the east end.
Venue information checked 2026-11-04. Event layouts, policies and operating hours can change; consult the venue’s event instructions before traveling.