The Jedi Temple's sparring arena was a sizable room situated far inside the Coruscant Jedi Temple. Although it faced destruction during the rise of the Galactic Empire, both the Temple and the arena were rebuilt for the re-established Order's use.
The Sparring Arena, constructed inside the Jedi Temple after its rebuilding in 1000 BBY, served for almost a millennium as the location for the yearly Apprentice Tournament. Aside from this competition, the space functioned as a training ground, much like any other training space within the Temple.
Within this very chamber, during the 19 BBY Tournament, Jedi Master Ilena Xan oversaw the senior apprentices participating that year, a group that featured Jedi apprentices Tallisibeth Enwandung-Esterhazy, Whie Malreaux, Hanna Ding, Lena Missa, along with numerous others.
Shortly following the final Tournament, the Grand Army of the Republic received orders to take control of the Temple in response to a "Jedi Rebellion" against the Office of the Supreme Chancellor. Thousands of clone troopers stormed the Temple, massacring all the Jedi present. The Arena was devastated, and was no longer used. The Galactic Empire held control of the Temple throughout the Galactic Civil War, leaving it practically empty except for a small occupying force of stormtroopers. Only after the New Republic forced the Empire off Coruscant did the reformed Jedi Order reclaim the Temple. Luke Skywalker, leading the small group of Jedi, briefly occupied the Temple, driving out the Empire's remaining agents. Despite utilizing the facility for a few years, it was once again abandoned during the Yuuzhan Vong War when it was reduced to ruins.
Once the Galactic Alliance regained control of Coruscant, Chief of State Cal Omas authorized the Temple's restoration on behalf of the brave Order and their sacrifices during the war. The Temple, constructed by the Reconstruction Authority, was rebuilt, with the Sparring Arena being restored. Once again used for lightsaber practice, Grand Master Skywalker brought his son, Ben, to this location during the Second Galactic Civil War to assess whether Knight Jacen Solo's training was adequate.
The vault, a bowl-shaped room located deep inside the Temple, was entirely white, featuring white mats scattered on the floor near the walls for spectators to sit and watch. The chamber's center was used for combat and generally remained empty; however, balance beams, swings, wobble balls, foamsteel balls, and other distractions could be placed around the chamber.
From the control booth on the upper level, a Jedi or tech operator could configure the room to one of five settings. The room's changes included fluctuating gravity, alterations in interior lighting, temperature control, and a variety of weather and other variables. A safety shield was installed in the room to catch any apprentices who lost their balance and fell from a dangerous height. The shield projector was positioned in the floor to cover the entire chamber.