Food City Center

Located on the scenic banks of the Tennessee River, Food City Center is a premier entertainment landmark in the heart of the University of Tennessee campus. Originally opened in 1987 as Thompson-Boling Arena, the venue underwent a significant rebranding in 2023. While it serves as a storied home for collegiate athletics, its central location in Knoxville makes it a vibrant hub for major cultural events and high-energy performances that draw fans from across East Tennessee. As a top-tier destination for national comedy tours, the venue hosts the industry's most prominent headliners in an expansive arena setting. It has become a key stop for major stand-up acts, recently hosting record-breaking performances by Shane Gillis. Other notable comedians known to have graced its stage include Tennessee natives Nate Bargatze and Leanne Morgan. Whether you are seeing a global star or a hometown favorite, the center offers a professional and electric atmosphere for experiencing world-class comedy.