UI Trustees Approve Groce Extension, State Farm Center Budget Increase

University of Illinois Trustees have signed off on a $4.5 million increase in renovations at the State Farm Center, as well as a raise and extension for men's basketball coach John Groce.

The funds for the arena in Champaign will cover additional costs for improvements, including a new scoreboard, video displays, and a marquee outside the facility.  

With the additional work, the total renovations will be $169.5 million dollars. 

Work that was already scheduled includes luxury suites, expanding the hall's useable floor space to accomodate larger conventions and entertainment programs, and air conditioning to allow year-round sports.  It's expected to wrap up in November 2016.

Trustees has also approved a 1-year contract extension for Illini men’s basketball Coach John Groce, through April 2019.  He also sees his pay increase by $100,000 a year to $1.7 million.  

Groce joined the Illini in 2012.   His first season, Illinois went 23-13 and advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament.  The finished 20-15 last season, and advanced to the second round of the NIT.