State Farm Center

The Illinois Arena, officially known as the State Farm Center, is an impressive sports and entertainment venue located in Champaign, USA. This dome-shaped indoor arena serves as the home court for university basketball and wrestling teams, and is one of the largest concert venues in the region between Chicago and St. Louis.

The building's architecture deserves special attention: a massive concrete dome with a diameter of about 122 meters appears to hover above the ground, resembling a futuristic object. Designed by the famous architect Max Abramovitz, the arena long held the status of one of the most grandiose domed structures in North America.

Today, it is more than just a stadium; it is a true hub for the state's cultural life. Following a major renovation, the complex received modern amenities while preserving its iconic historic appearance, which is highly valued by tourists and college sports fans alike.

To check the current event schedule or purchase tickets, you can use the following contact information:

The main reason to visit the State Farm Center is the incredible energy of its live events. Sports fans can attend home games of the Illinois Fighting Illini men's and women's basketball teams. Thanks to the unique shape of the dome, the stands are designed so that a great view is available from almost any point, creating a fully immersive game experience.

In addition to sporting events, the venue regularly hosts major concerts, theatrical productions, and even circus shows. Due to its unusual shape, the building is often called the "flying saucer," so architecture enthusiasts will find it interesting to study the construction in detail and take striking photos against the backdrop of this concrete giant.

Following a recent reconstruction, the arena now features comfortable premium areas and updated food courts. You can soak up the classic American stadium atmosphere by grabbing hot dogs or popcorn during breaks, and stop by the souvenir shops to pick up branded merchandise featuring the university's symbols.

Getting to this iconic landmark in Champaign is easy, as it is located right on the University of Illinois campus at 1800 S 1st St. If you are traveling from the city center, it is most convenient to use a taxi or popular rideshare services like Uber and Lyft.

For those who prefer public transport, the local MTD (Mass Transit District) buses are an excellent choice, as they regularly run through the campus and stop in the immediate vicinity of the State Farm Center entrance. Travelers driving from Chicago can expect a journey of about 2.5 hours via the I-57 highway. The complex features extensive parking areas with thousands of spaces.

If you are arriving from further away, the nearest airport, Willard (CMI), is just a 15–20 minute drive. Additionally, the arena is easily accessible by foot or bicycle from anywhere in the university district, allowing you to enjoy the campus atmosphere along the way.

The history of the Illinois Arena, originally known as the Assembly Hall, began on March 2, 1963. The project was born out of the university's urgent need for a massive space to host graduation ceremonies and sporting events. The construction, which lasted six years, was a true engineering challenge for its time.

The uniqueness of the structure lies in its concrete dome, which is supported by an incredible system of 614 miles of steel wire wrapped under enormous pressure. Until the legendary Astrodome opened in Houston, this arena was considered the largest domed structure in North America. Notably, funds for the construction were raised in part through student fees, highlighting the special bond between the university and this venue.

Between 2014 and 2016, the complex underwent a massive renovation known as the "Illinois Renaissance." During the project, which cost nearly $170 million, the seating and engineering systems were completely updated. In 2013, as part of a long-term partnership agreement, the arena officially changed its historic name to the State Farm Center.

For those planning to attend a specific event—be it a thrilling basketball game or a concert by a world star—it is worth budgeting about 3–4 hours. This is enough time to comfortably go through security, find your seat, enjoy the show, and leave the complex without rushing after it ends.

If your goal is simply to see the architectural features of the famous dome and take a few souvenir photos from the outside, 1 hour will be sufficient. However, we recommend taking a stroll through the adjacent campus grounds, which could take an additional couple of hours.

The operating schedule for the State Farm Center depends entirely on the schedule of events being held. The arena does not have fixed visiting hours for tourists, so we strongly recommend checking the event calendar on the official website before your visit.

Ticket offices and administrative offices are typically open during standard business days, but access to the main arena floor only opens at a specific time before the start of games or concerts.

A visit to the arena can easily be combined with exploring other interesting sites around the university campus. A walk through the surrounding area will allow you to dive deeper into the history and culture of the region.