State Farm Center is the pride of the University of Illinois! Our facility is the third largest in the State of Illinois with nearly 15,500 permanent seats and, following its recent $170 million renovation, is one of the finest, most unique venues for sports and entertainment in the country.  From rock shows to Broadway to family shows to Fighting Illini basketball and much more, State Farm Center has hosted the top names in show business, as well as, numerous University and community events. Performers and events hosted at State Farm Center include The Rolling Stones, Garth Brooks, Elvis Presley, U2, Frank Sinatra, “Les Miserables,” Elton John, Kenny Chesney, Aerosmith, Reba McEntire, Tina Turner, “Cats,” Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, University of Illinois Commencement, The Harlem Globetrotters, Bruce Springsteen, “Sesame Street Live!” and countless others.

 State Farm Center opened on March 2, 1963, and continues to attract attention for its design and construction. Four hundred feet across, it at one time was one of the only two-edge supported domes in the world. The roof is supported by 614 miles of one-quarter inch steel wire wrapped at the base of the dome under intensive pressure. The architect was Max Abramovitz, a distinguished University of Illinois alumnus. His firm also designed the United Nations Buildings, much of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and the University of Illinois’ own Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.