Spokane Arena facts for kids
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View from southeast in 2007
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 Spokane
Location in the United States
Spokane
Location in Washington (state)
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| Address | 720 W. Mallon Avenue |
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| Location | Spokane, Washington, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 47°39′57.6″N 117°25′22.8″W / 47.666000°N 117.423000°W |
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| Owner | Spokane Public Facilities District |
| Operator | Spokane Public Facilities District |
| Capacity | End Stage concert: 12,638 Basketball: 12,210 Hockey: 10,366 Indoor football: 10,771 Expansion possibilities: 14,000+ |
| Surface | Multi-surface |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | March 5, 1993 |
| Opened | September 10, 1995 |
| Construction cost | $62.6 million ($120 million in 2022 ) |
| Architect | ALSC Architects Ellerbe Becket |
| General contractor | Garco Construction |
| Tenants | |
| Spokane Chiefs (WHL) (1995–present) Spokane Shock/Empire (af2/AFL/IFL) (2006–2017, 2020–2021) |
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The Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena, usually called Spokane Arena, is a large building in downtown Spokane, Washington, U.S.. It's a place where many different events happen, like sports games and concerts. The arena first opened its doors in 1995. It is the home ice for the Spokane Chiefs, a junior ice hockey team in the Western Hockey League (WHL).
Spokane Arena: Home to Exciting Events
Building the Arena
Before the Spokane Arena was built, there was an older building called the Spokane Coliseum. It was getting old and too small. So, a group called the Spokane Public Facilities District (SPFD) was created. Their job was to build and run new sports and entertainment places.
In 1990, this group decided to build a new arena. They wanted it to hold 12,000 to 14,000 people. It also needed room to grow bigger later. The arena was planned for city land next to the old coliseum. It would also have parking for 2,000 cars.
People in Spokane voted on building the arena several times. After four tries, they finally agreed in 1991. Voters approved plans to pay for the arena. This included a property tax and a hotel tax. Later, a small sales tax increase also helped fund the project.
Construction started on March 5, 1993. The Spokane Arena officially opened about two and a half years later, in September 1995.
What's Inside? Seating and Cool Tech
The Spokane Arena is designed to host many different kinds of events. It has flexible seating and modern technology.
Seating Capacity for Different Events
The arena can change its seating to fit the event.
- For big concerts with a stage at one end, it can hold 12,638 people.
- If the stage is in the middle, it can seat 12,494.
- For basketball games, there are 12,210 seats.
- Indoor football games can have 10,771 fans.
- Ice hockey games fit 10,366 spectators.
- For smaller shows, called "half-house shows," it can seat 6,951 people.
Awesome Sound and Video Systems
The arena has a great audio and video system. There's a large video screen that is 15 by 20 feet. This screen can show amazing colors and can even split into two parts. It can also move closer to the floor, about 20 feet up.
Around the arena bowl, there's a 350-degree LED ribbon board. This board can show messages, animations, team logos, scores, and stats. The sound system uses powerful speakers to make sure everyone can hear clearly.
Big Spaces for Big Events
The Spokane Arena has lots of space. The main floor is 32,000 square feet. The concourse, which is like a wide hallway for fans, is 14 feet high and 35,000 square feet. There are also 16 luxury suites with 146 seats in total. Plus, there are six meeting rooms for different gatherings.
For big shows, there are many loading docks. This allows large trucks to load and unload equipment easily. Backstage, there are dressing rooms for performers and teams.
Growing Bigger: Arena Upgrades
The arena was built with space for future growth. There was a plan to add more seats to the upper level. This would make the arena hold over 15,000 people.
In 2012, the Spokane Public Facilities District decided to make some upgrades. They added 750 new seats, bringing the total capacity to 12,000. They also installed a new scoreboard that hangs in the center of the arena. These improvements cost about $3.5 million.
In 2023, the arena had another big renovation. This included updating the seats that can be pulled in and out. They also improved the lighting and locker room showers. This renovation closed the arena for three months and cost around $10 million.
Fun Events at Spokane Arena
Sports Action
The Spokane Arena is a hub for many exciting sports events.
Basketball Games and Tournaments
Besides being home to the Chiefs, the arena often hosts college basketball games. Both Gonzaga University and Washington State University men's basketball teams have played many games here. They even played against each other five times in the arena.
The arena has also hosted the state high school basketball tournament for Class 2B teams. It was also a key location for the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament in 2003, 2007, 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2024. For women's basketball, it hosted regional tournaments in 2008, 2011, 2015, 2018, 2022, and will again in 2025.
Bull Riding Thrills
In 1999, the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) brought their exciting competition to the Spokane Arena. It was a big event where cowboys tried to stay on powerful bulls.
Graceful Figure Skating
The Spokane Arena has hosted the United States Figure Skating Championships twice. In 2007, it broke the attendance record for the event. Then, in 2010, it hosted the championships again, leading up to the 2010 Winter Olympics. It broke its own attendance record that year, with over 158,000 tickets sold!
The arena also hosted the first-ever 2016 Team Challenge Cup. This event brought together figure skaters from North America, Europe, and Asia to compete in teams.
Football Fun
The Spokane Shock indoor football team played at the arena from 2006 to 2015. They even hosted their championship game, ArenaBowl XXIII, in 2010. Later, a new team called the Spokane Empire played in the arena in 2016 and 2017. The Shock returned in 2020 but stopped playing there in 2022.
Ice Hockey Excitement
The Spokane Chiefs of the WHL play all their home games at the arena. In 1998, the arena hosted the 1998 Memorial Cup, which is a major junior hockey championship.
The arena has also hosted National Hockey League (NHL) preseason games. The first event ever held in the arena in 1995 was an NHL preseason game. The Seattle Kraken and Vancouver Canucks played an exhibition game here in 2021.
Wrestling Matches
The arena hosted All Elite Wrestling's Title Tuesday event on October 8, 2024.
Concerts and Shows at Star Theatre
The Spokane Arena can transform into the Star Theatre for concerts and shows. This setup seats 5,900 people. It's perfect for theater concerts, Broadway shows, and family entertainment. It offers a different experience than the full arena.
Other Cool Events Hosted Here
The Spokane Arena has seen many other memorable events over the years:
- 1995 – The first college basketball game between Gonzaga and Washington State.
- 1996 – The United States Olympic Wrestling Trials.
- 1997 – The NCAA Volleyball Final Four.
- 2002 – The Skate America figure skating competition.
- 2003 – WWE SmackDown!
- 2005 – Destiny's Child performed during their Destiny Fulfilled... and Lovin' It tour.
- 2007 – Beyoncé brought her The Beyoncé Experience tour.
- 2009 – Taylor Swift performed on her Fearless Tour.
- 2022 – Paul McCartney started his Got Back Tour here.
- 2022 – Korn with Evanescence played a summer concert.
- 2023 – Shania Twain began her Queen of Me Tour at the arena.
