Assembly Hall Renovations

The University of Illinois Assembly Hall is undergoing both extensive renovations and a name change. Longtime corporate sponsor State Farm Insurance Company has bought the naming rights to the iconic dome on campus in a 30-year, $60 million deal. Effective immediately the Assembly Hall will now be known as the State Farm Center.

Responses in regard to the alterations from the public have been mixed.

“[The renovations] are more state of the art, and they will draw more fans,” says Freshman Jaleen Jones about the renovation plans. “They will motivate the players more.”

Freshman Alex Beckman agrees, saying, “I think it’s a good thing because the Assembly Hall is not at the peak of college basketball stadiums and with these renovations it will be better.”

As for the name change, most people are unimpressed.

“I’m not a fan of it because the Assembly Hall is a symbol of the University of Illinois,” said Beckman.

The insurance company’s corporate headquarters are located just 50 miles from the university campus, making for a “natural partnership” according to Illinois Athletics Director Mike Thomas.

“We are proud to be a part of the renovation of this classic Illinois venue, and further expand our longstanding relationship with the University of Illinois and the state where our company has been headquartered for more than 90 years,” Randall Harbert, Executive Vice President and Chief Agency Sales & Marketing Officer said.

Along with an addition of 18 suites, the renovation plan includes air conditioning, more student courtside seating, orange and blue seats, a new scoreboard, and reducing the building’s capacity from 17,200 to 15,000.

As for the $160 million renovation price tag, around 75 percent of the costs are expected to be covered by donations being raised by Thomas and others. In addition, University of Illinois students voted to pay $25 per semester to chip in, and selling the naming rights also contributed to the overall payment.

Although university trustees have not yet signed off on the plans, Thomas says that construction should start in March 2014.

The renovation on the 50 year old building, which is to be done in phases to avoid basketball teams having to find an alternative area for games and practices, is scheduled to be completed before the 2016-2017 college basketball season.