Storm water floods Illinois’ new court inside the State Farm Center

For the second time this fall, a college basketball floor became the victim of flooding.

On Tuesday afternoon, the University of Illinois announced that several inches of storm water had flooded onto the floor inside the State Farm Center. The men’s basketball Twitter account posted a picture on Friday, showcasing the arena’s brand new floor. The Fighting Illini host Quincy for an exhibition game on Nov. 7.

From the university’s statement:

Construction workers immediately provided labor for the cleanup, removing water and mitigating damage by installing fans to help dry the concrete floor. The basketball court also has been taken apart and elevated on wood blocking to help it dry. The condition of the court will continue to be evaluated over the next few days. In the event that the court is damaged beyond repair, the University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics is prepared to secure an alternate playing surface.

The school plans on the floor being ready for the exhibition contest against Quincy.

In September, a water main break resulted in flooding of UCLA’s historic Pauley Pavilion. The historic venue was reopened in 2012 after a $136 million renovation. The State Farm Center is currently under renovations, as well.

Storm water entered @StateFarmCenter early today. Crews are working hard to keep court as dry as possible. #Illini pic.twitter.com/t9txJP6lUU

— Illinois Basketball (@IlliniHoops) October 28, 2014

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