Stokely Family To Be Recognized During UT Games In January

KNOXVILLE - Tennessee Athletics will be recognizing the Stokely family for its contributions and dedication to the athletics program at the Jan.

Both games tip-off at 8 p.m. For tickets, visit www.UTTix.com or call 1-800-332-8657.

With the closing of the Stokely Athletic Center, the department will honor William B. Stokely III and his family for their inspiration and service to Tennessee for many decades.

"As we continue to recognize the people, history and tradition that makes Tennessee such a special place, it is a pleasure to salute the Stokely family as we begin SEC play in January," said Tennessee Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Dave Hart. "It will clearly be an emotional walk down memory lane for all involved."

UT's beloved Stokely Athletic Center served as the home court to Tennessee's basketball for 29 years from 1958-87. The facility was initially known as Armory-Fieldhouse until its expansion in 1966, which was spearheaded by the late William B. Stokely, Jr. Stokely's gift enabled the facility to expand from its original capacity of 7,800 to a final size of 12,700 when the building was rededicated on May 7, 1966.

Stokely Athletic Center was home to many great teams, including several that claimed SEC Championships in basketball as well as UT track and field. The Lady Vols basketball team won their first NCAA Championship in their final season at Stokely (1986-87) before moving to Thompson-Boling Arena.

Among the other performers to star at SAC where Elvis Presley, Elton John, Janis Joplin and many others.

(E-mail Stan Crawley at wscrawley@earthlink.net