A Saucer Coming to Rest

News-Gazette sports writer, Fred Kroner, tracked down the inside story on the historic building that was designed by a University of Illinois architecture graduate. For Kroner's fourth book, he not only spoke with Assembly Hall directors, coaches, players and a veteran UI trainer for their memories and perspectives, but also tracked down the building-project manager, a man whose company installed the glass, an usher who had 45 years of service, and stagehands who were on the scene when some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry came to town with their unusual requests. The resulting book is a comprehensive, inside look at an award-winning building that serves not only as the home court of the Fighting Illini men's and women's basketball teams, but also as a concert venue, a theater for musicals and plays and an all-purpose location suitable for conventions and graduations.