Mohegan Sun Arena | Wilkes Barre

Information

Landmark: Mohegan Sun Arena
City: Wilkes Barre
Country: USA Pennsylvania
Continent: North America

Mohegan Sun Arena, Wilkes Barre, USA Pennsylvania, North America

Mohegan Sun Arena is a multi-purpose indoor arena located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

It serves as the primary venue for sporting events, concerts, and other large-scale entertainment productions in the region.

Visual Characteristics

The arena's exterior features a combination of precast concrete panels and large glass curtain walls. The primary color palette is neutral, with shades of grey and white dominating the facade. The structure is a large, rectangular prism with a rounded roofline. Interior seating capacity is approximately 10,000 for sporting events and can be configured for larger concerts.

Location & Access Logistics

Mohegan Sun Arena is situated at 255 Highland Park Boulevard, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702. It is approximately 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) west of downtown Wilkes-Barre. Access is via Interstate 81, taking Exit 170B for PA-309 North. The arena complex offers ample on-site parking, with various paid lots available. Public transportation options are limited; Luzerne County Transportation Authority (LCTA) bus route 15 serves the Highland Park Boulevard area, with stops within walking distance of the arena.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of Mohegan Sun Arena was completed in 1999. It was designed by architectural firm Rossetti Architects and built by Barton Malow Company. The arena was originally conceived as a venue to attract major entertainment and sporting events to the Wyoming Valley, aiming to revitalize the local economy. The site itself is located on previously undeveloped land within the Wyoming Valley.

Key Highlights & Activities

The arena hosts professional ice hockey games for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. It is a regular stop for national concert tours across various music genres. Other events include professional wrestling, mixed martial arts, and family shows. Specific seating configurations and stage setups vary based on the event.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available throughout the concourse levels. Various concession stands offering food and beverages are located on the main concourse. Limited shaded areas are available in exterior walkways. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally reliable within the arena. Several fast-food restaurants and a large retail shopping center are located in the immediate vicinity of the arena complex.

Best Time to Visit

For optimal lighting conditions for photography of the exterior, late afternoon or early morning hours provide direct sunlight. The best months for attending events are generally September through April, coinciding with the typical schedules for hockey and major concert tours. Specific event times are determined by the promoter or team.

Facts & Legends

The arena's construction was part of a larger economic development initiative for the Wyoming Valley. A unique feature is its adaptable seating system, allowing for rapid reconfiguration between different event types. Local lore suggests the land was once part of a larger agricultural estate before its development.