Thompson Boling Arena Improvements
This project included:
- Demolition of the secondary structure on the north side of the Arena (column lines W5-E5) and the construction of 32 Luxury Suites plus the Loge Level with 166 VIP seats. The Suites and Loge Level have a structural glass handrail utilizing special non-reflective coated composite glass (this is reportedly the first structural glass handrail in the United States, held in place only by structural silicone, without a top rail)
- Two new passenger elevators and one wheel chair lift to serve the Suites and Loge Level
- Strengthening of the roof trusses to support additional weight including the new scoreboard
- Removing all the original orange seats and aluminum bleachers and installing the new black seats
- Painting the existing acoustical ceiling black
- Cleaning and sealing the existing concrete secondary structure that supports the seats
- Removing the existing steel handrail at the 200 Level and replacing with a structural glass handrail to match the glass handrail at the new suites
- Painting the entire existing Concourse
- Adding new metal acoustical ceilings at the existing Concourse
- Polishing the existing concrete floor
- New graphics and signage throughout the Arena
The project was completed in seven months and six days, starting on March 12, 2007 and completing on October 18, 2007. The first event was October 19, 2007.