The capacity of Thompson-Boling Arena was decreased to 21,678 by the renovations begun in 2007. The renovation of the facility and the building of the associated Pratt Practice Facility cost $36 million. Both projects were paid for by donors and sales of the 32 new luxury suites in the arena.
Phase I of the renovation included replacing bleacher seats on the top tier with regular seats; installing a $3 million central scoreboard; replacing the 1987 orange seats with black ones; and creating new luxury suites and loge seating, a primary funding source for much of the renovations. The 32 luxury suites are located in the north balcony of the arena, and the loge area features 166 side court seats, located directly below the luxury suites with private adjoining hospitality areas. The student ticket allocation for men’s basketball games was reduced to provide essentially the same number of seats available for the general public.
Phase II included the construction of a bridge connecting the G-10 parking garage to the arena at concourse level and major improvements to office space and the exterior of the facility. An additional $15 million renovation was announced in November 2014, to update men’s and women’s locker rooms and restrooms, make concourse improvements, upgrade mechanical and electrical systems, and install a new roof.