CHAMPAIGN — The construction continues at State Farm Center, with the grand re-opening of the 52-year-old venue set for Dec. 2 when the Illinois men’s basketball team hosts Notre Dame.
“I was over there (Friday),” Illinois athletic director Mike Thomas said on WDWS 1400-AM’s “Saturday SportsTalk” with Steve Kelly and Loren Tate. “As you can imagine, it’s just a beehive of activity. There’s all kinds of people over there. It’s really magnificent.”
Progress is being made, Thomas said, and the difference is noticeable.
“The gravel pit is gone in the playing area,” he said. “They framed out all the seating areas, including where the retraceable seating is going to be where our students will be on the floor and where the concrete is being poured for what would be the club seats on both sides.