University of Illinois Basketball Court Sustains Water Damage

The University of Illinois says it is evaluating the condition of the basketball court inside the State Farm Center after several inches of storm water backed up inside the arena.

The university said on its athletics website that the water covered the arena floor about 3 a.m. Tuesday and reached the court due to a blocked storm-drain line.

School spokesman Derrick Burson said it will be a couple of days before it’s clear if the court can be used. If not the university would borrow, lease or buy a new court in time for next week’s start of basketball season.

The men’s team opens with an exhibition against Quincy on Nov. 7. The women’s team faces Millikin Nov. 8.

The arena is in the middle of a $169.5 million renovation.