Illini Basketball Court Not Damaged By Water
Court of State Farm Center (Rob McColley)
The University of Illinois says the basketball court in the State Farm Center will be ready next week for the start of the men's and women's basketball season.
The university said in a news release Thursday that the playing surface was not damaged by water that backed up into the arena earlier this week.
A drain line was blocked and several inches of water were on the arena floor and reached the court.
Officials say construction workers and State Farm Center staff worked quickly to remove water, install fans, take apart the court, and elevate it on wood blocking to help it dry.
The court was removed and dried but has been reinstalled.
The men's team opens with an exhibition against Quincy on Nov. 7. The women's team faces Millikin University on Nov. 8.