arszhdanov Assembly Hall (1963–2013) State Farm Center (2013-) goosehiatt It holds sentimental value for numerous alumni and fans alike and attracts attention for its design and construction. The university’s population had outgrown the largest building on campus at that time, the Auditorium (later rededicated Foellinger Auditorium), and desired one building that could hold the entire university class. "Assembly Hall Can Bring Events Not Possible Now. There is plenty of parking around the State Farm Center, though the parking does not flow from one. wtucker24 Reviews (217) 333-2923. In order to create the required stress, the wire was pulled through a steel die that reduced its diameter. We were there for two men's basketball games in mid-November. Acrylic stephcoffman Menu & Reservations Make Reservations . [1], According to the article "To Cover this Assembly Bowl: A 400-ft Prestressed Saucer, the roof was cast in 24 segments of 15° each. The construction crews first dug down 15 feet (4.6 m) from ground level and poured the concrete ring on high-density, hard gray clay. The construction of Assembly Hall required excavation of 60,000 cu yd of soil. [8] The post-tensioning of the roof was completed on March 16. assembly hall opened in 1963. There are a number of entrances, and I think the main entrance is on the west side of the building with drop-off lanes, if you needed them. The building would hold 16,000 permanent seats with an additional 2,000 seats if necessary.[5]. The university's Building Committee was quoted by The News-Gazette, saying, "The University of Illinois has not added a foot of space for organized student activities and recreation since the Illini Union Building was constructed in 1940-41. wagss As sports editor of The Daily Illini, the student newspaper, and a sportswriter for the Champaign-Urbana Courier in 1963, I … [8], In order to post-tension the concrete roof, the construction crews used the wrapping machine to wrapped the edge of the roof in miles of steel wire and pull the wires extremely tight. [4] The university administration decided to fund the project through a student fee of $20 a semester and issue bonds. In order to make Max Abramovitz design a reality, a relatively new post-tensioning technique was required. The two forces are designed to cancel each other out. briansblair and Address is 1800 South 1st Street, Champaign, IL assembly hall Champaign is the former name of the State Farm Center, an arena in University of Illinois. If you have visited other basketball arenas across the country, you are aware that the State Farm Center is unlike any other. Today, the Astrodome is gone. [2] State Farm Center, the first-ever concrete dome arena, hosts the campus's teams in men's and women's basketball, numerous concerts and other events. The rubber band (the steel wire) wants to constrict into a smaller circle, while the roof of Assembly Hall pushes radially outward. At night, the place looks like a flying saucer, landing or taking off. Most of the foundation: ring footing, 48 buttresses, and columns and walls of the circular concourse, was completed in 1960.[1]. in. "UIHistories: Buildings: Assembly Hall." Are the prices for this place or activity, Would you recommend this place or activity to a friend looking for an, Is this a romantic place or activity that you would suggest for, Is this a must-do if you are traveling with a, Is this a place or activity you would go to on a, Is this a place or activity you would suggest for, 1800 S 1st St, Champaign, Champaign-Urbana, IL 61820-6950. [8], After all the post-tensioning was completed the 85 sq. State Farm Center 1800 South 1st Street Champaign, Illinois 61820 217-333-2923. Dave_1 That was in 1962 and I was a senior at the University of Illinois.