Nov. 14--CHAMPAIGN -- During an exhibition game Friday night, after fans entered the State Farm Center through construction zones, there was as much buzz about what the fans were sitting on as what they were watching.
Behold the blue seats of what used to be the C section. Comfortable ones at that. With cup holders.
If Illinois basketball fans are giddy about 10,000 padded seats replacing hard, old gray ones from 1963, there's no telling the delight that will come when the arena's $169.5 million construction project is complete before the 2016-17 season.
"People are amazed by the blue seats in the upper level," athletic director Mike Thomas said. "In some ways, it's awesome, but it pales in comparison to what you'll see close to this time next year. I think it's going to be like the Fourth of July. People are going to walk in here and you'll hear a lot of wows."
This season, Illinois fans will be ushered through work areas and around temporary walls as crews work behind the scenes to mechanically prepare for air conditioning installation and widened concourses.
Luxury and club seats will be in place for the 2015-16 season, which will begin with five games in Springfield as an alternate site. A grand west entrance that allows for easier fan access and serves as a pregame mingling point is expected to be complete.
There will be more than double the number of restrooms and additional concession stands, which previously have not been available on the upper levels.
What will be most notably seen -- and heard -- will be the 1,200 seats moved nearly on top of the court for the Orange Krush student section, lining three sides of the floor.
Patience will be essential for fans as only about 25 percent of the arena is complete, said Warren Hood, associate director of athletics. He likened the logistical challenges to a "jigsaw puzzle."
The arena is being completed in six phases, which will reach the most intensive phase after this season with more internal construction.
Storm water that flooded the arena on Oct. 28 did not disrupt the timeline because of quick work from contractors on site.
The Illini have raised $95 million so far to fund the project through premium seating sales, capital campaign gifts, naming opportunities and student fee increases.
"We certainly have more to do," Thomas said. "I'm confident we'll get there."
Once the renovation is complete, Illinois' arena will be a huge asset, coach John Groce said.
"It's going to be among the best in the country," he said. "People who support Illinois are going to be awful proud. It's really cool. I think it's a program-changer."
sryan@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @sryantribune
