Covelli Centre | Youngstown

The Covelli Centre is a state-of-the-art multi-purpose arena located in downtown Youngstown, Ohio. Since opening in 2005, it has become a vital hub for sports, entertainment, and community events in the Mahoning Valley, serving thousands of visitors annually.

Location and Structure

Address: 229 East Front Street, Youngstown, OH 44503

Situated in the heart of downtown Youngstown, the arena plays a significant role in the city’s urban revitalization and cultural life.

The building covers approximately 169,000 square feet and features a modern design optimized for versatility and audience experience.

Facilities and Seating

The Covelli Centre can accommodate a wide variety of events with flexible seating arrangements:

Ice Hockey: Seats around 5,700 spectators, home to the Youngstown Phantoms junior hockey team.

Basketball: Approximately 5,900 seats for basketball games and similar sports events.

Concerts: Seating ranges from 6,300 for end-stage shows up to 7,000 for center-stage “in-the-round” concerts.

Theater Setup: Smaller events and performances can use a theater configuration seating about 2,200 people.

It contains 26 luxury suites and 520 club seats, providing premium viewing experiences.

Amenities include a full-service kitchen, multiple concession stands, and the Huntington Bank VIP Lounge for exclusive gatherings.

Technical Features

The arena is equipped with a modern cooling system using 7 miles of underground piping to maintain the ice surface and ensure comfort for spectators.

Advanced lighting, sound, and stage rigging systems support concerts, sports broadcasts, and large-scale productions.

Flexible floor configurations allow for quick changes between hockey, basketball, concerts, trade shows, and other events.

Sports and Teams

The Covelli Centre is best known as the home of the Youngstown Phantoms, a Tier I junior ice hockey team competing in the United States Hockey League (USHL).

Past tenants have included the Youngstown SteelHounds (Central Hockey League), Mahoning Valley Thunder (arena football), Little Steel Derby Girls (roller derby), and Youngstown Nighthawks (indoor soccer).

The arena hosts high school basketball tournaments, youth sports events, wrestling matches, and boxing bouts, making it a sports epicenter for the region.

Entertainment and Events

Beyond sports, the Covelli Centre regularly attracts nationally and internationally known performers and touring productions.

Concerts by major artists such as Elton John, Carrie Underwood, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra have been featured.

Family-oriented shows like Disney On Ice and The Harlem Globetrotters are recurring highlights.

The arena also hosts trade shows, conventions, corporate events, and community celebrations.

History and Development

Construction began in 2004 and the arena officially opened on October 29, 2005, with a concert by rock band 3 Doors Down.

Initially named the Youngstown Convocation Center, it was soon rebranded as the Chevrolet Centre through a naming rights deal, before becoming the Covelli Centre in 2009 when Covelli Enterprises acquired the naming rights.

The project cost approximately $42 million, funded by a mix of public and private sources, reflecting a major investment in downtown Youngstown’s revitalization.

Economic and Community Impact

The Covelli Centre has been a catalyst for economic growth in Youngstown by attracting visitors, supporting local businesses, and creating jobs.

It provides a venue for local organizations and schools to host events, fostering community engagement and pride.

The arena’s presence has helped spur further development in downtown Youngstown, contributing to a more vibrant urban environment.

Visitor Information

Box Office Phone: (800) 745-3000

Main Office: (330) 746-5600

Tickets for events can be purchased online, at the box office, or via phone.

Parking is available nearby, with options for event-goers to park in municipal garages or lots within walking distance.

The Covelli Centre is accessible for people with disabilities, with accommodations including wheelchair seating and assistive listening devices.

Summary

The Covelli Centre stands as a premier venue in northeastern Ohio, balancing sports, entertainment, and community events under one roof. Its modern facilities, strategic downtown location, and diverse programming make it a cornerstone of Youngstown’s cultural and economic life, continuing to draw visitors and energize the region.