Simmons Bank Arena facts for kids
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As seen from across the Arkansas River, 2020
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| Former names | Alltel Arena (1999–2009) Verizon Arena (2009–2019) |
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| Location |
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| Public transit |
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| Owner | Pulaski County Multi-Purpose Civic Center Facilities Board |
| Operator | Pulaski County Multi-Purpose Civic Center Facilities Board |
| Capacity | Basketball: 18,000 Hockey: 17,000 Arena Football:16,000 |
| Surface | Multi-surface |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | August 22, 1997 |
| Opened | October 2, 1999 |
| Construction cost | $80 million ($141 million in 2022 dollars ) |
| Architect | Civic Center Design Team (CCDT): Burt Taggart & Associates, Architects/Engineers, The Wilcox Group, Garver & Garver Engineering and Rosser International of Atlanta |
| Structural engineer | Geiger Engineers PC |
| General contractor | Turner/Vratsinas |
| Tenants | |
| Arkansas–Little Rock Trojans (NCAA) (1999–2005) Arkansas RiverBlades (ECHL) (1999–2003) Arkansas Twisters (AF2) (2000–2009) Arkansas RimRockers (ABA/NBA D-League) (2004–2007) |
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| Website | |
| simmonsbankarena.com | |
Simmons Bank Arena is a huge building in North Little Rock, Arkansas. It can hold up to 18,000 people! This arena is a major spot for fun events in Central Arkansas. It opened its doors in October 1999.
The arena is right across the Arkansas River from downtown Little Rock. It has had a few names over the years. It was first called Alltel Arena and then Verizon Arena.
Many sports teams have played here. The Little Rock Trojans basketball team played their games at the arena from 1999 to 2005. Other teams like the Arkansas RiverBlades (ice hockey) and the Arkansas RimRockers (basketball) also called it home. The arena is also a popular place for concerts, rodeos, and other big shows.
Contents
A Look Back: How the Arena Started
Building a Big Dream
The idea for Simmons Bank Arena began in 1995. People in Pulaski County, Arkansas voted to use a special sales tax to build it. This tax helped pay for the arena and other important projects.
The arena cost about $80 million to build. Money came from the sales tax, the State of Arkansas, and private donations. A company called Alltel Corporation also gave money. This meant the building was paid for when it opened in 1999.
Choosing the Best Spot
Officials looked at two places in North Little Rock for the new arena. They chose a larger area that was about 19.5 acres. This spot was perfect for such a big building.
The other spot, a smaller 11.6-acre plot, later became Dickey-Stephens Park. This is a baseball stadium for the Arkansas Travelers team. They moved there in 2007.
Fun Events and Famous Visitors
Sports Tournaments and Championships
Simmons Bank Arena has hosted many exciting sports events. It was the home for the Southeastern Conference women's basketball tournament in 2003, 2006, and 2009. In 2003, a record 43,642 people came to watch the women's tournament!
The arena also hosted parts of the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament in March 2008. It was also the site for the SEC gymnastics championships in 2007.
Concerts and Other Shows
This arena is a favorite spot for concerts. It can hold between 15,000 and 18,000 people for a concert. Many famous musicians have performed here.
In March 2000, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band played a special song called "Mary Queen of Arkansas." This was a rare treat for fans.
The arena also hosted the American Idols LIVE! Tour concerts in 2004, 2007, and 2009. These shows featured popular singers from the TV show.
Special Guests and Big Performances
On May 4, 2013, the band Fleetwood Mac performed. Former president Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton were surprise guests! The band dedicated their song "Don't Stop" to them.
The Kellogg's Tour of Gymnastics Champions visited the arena on October 5, 2016.
In 2022, music legend Elton John performed a sold-out show as part of his farewell tour. Later that year, The Eagles also played a sold-out concert. Their show included country star Vince Gill and the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra.
Most recently, on July 17, 2024, the arena hosted a big wrestling event. It was the 250th episode of All Elite Wrestling's weekly show, Dynamite.
Who Owns and Designed the Arena?
The Multi-Purpose Civic Center Facilities Board for Pulaski County owns the arena. A group called the Civic Center Design Team (CCDT) designed it. This team included several architecture and engineering firms.
Changing Names
The arena's name changed a few times. It was first called Alltel Arena. In 2009, after Alltel was sold, it became Verizon Arena. Then, in 2019, Simmons Bank bought the naming rights. That's why it's now called Simmons Bank Arena!
