Show Place Arena | Prince Georges County

Show Place Arena, located at 14900 Pennsylvania Avenue in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, is a large-scale, multi-purpose indoor facility that serves as a major event venue in Prince George’s County. It is part of the Prince George’s Equestrian Center, a sprawling complex that includes indoor and outdoor equestrian facilities, stables, and show rings. Since opening in 1993, the arena has grown into a prominent regional destination for concerts, sports events, equestrian competitions, trade shows, graduations, and community gatherings.

Arena Overview

The main arena spans approximately 35,000 to 37,000 square feet with a clear ceiling height of 40 feet, making it suitable for both large-scale performances and athletic events. The interior is adaptable and can be reconfigured depending on the event type. The total seating capacity reaches up to 5,800, with slight variations based on the layout:

5,500 seats for basketball or hockey events

5,200 for boxing or wrestling matches

4,700 for concerts or stage performances

Around 3,000 for equestrian or rodeo shows

The facility is equipped with retractable bleachers and padded seating, offering good visibility from nearly all angles of the venue.

Interior Facilities and Amenities

Concessions: Two full-service concession stands provide food, drinks, and snacks during events. A bar area is also available for specific functions and adult events.

Restrooms: There are ten modern, handicap-accessible restrooms located throughout the arena.

Private Suites and Banquet Rooms: The arena includes five private VIP suites and three meeting/banquet rooms totaling roughly 7,000 square feet, all with views of the arena floor. These are frequently used for receptions, corporate meetings, and pre-event gatherings.

Press and AV Capabilities: The arena is equipped with professional audio/visual systems, including rigging points for lighting and sound, a press booth, and backstage service corridors.

Events and Uses

Show Place Arena is known for its versatility, hosting a wide range of events including:

Equestrian Competitions: Indoor horse shows, rodeos, and events like the Washington International Horse Show (moved here in 2022). The arena floor features a stone-dust footing surface for equine safety when used for these events.

Concerts and Performances: Well-known artists have performed here, taking advantage of the arena’s acoustics and space for large audiences.

Sporting Events: Basketball, wrestling, volleyball, and boxing competitions are held throughout the year, including high school and amateur leagues.

Trade Shows and Exhibitions: The expansive, flat floor space and loading dock access make it ideal for expos, business showcases, and vendor fairs.

Graduations and Ceremonies: Local schools and organizations frequently use the arena for commencement ceremonies, with ample seating and audiovisual support.

Religious and Cultural Gatherings: It is often selected for conferences, spiritual revivals, and multicultural events due to its size and accessibility.

Equestrian Integration

The Show Place Arena is connected to the Prince George’s Equestrian Center, which features:

Two large outdoor show rings (150 by 300 feet each)

Seven permanent barns, accommodating over 250 horses

Multiple schooling and warm-up rings

Onsite stabling, overnight lodging for competitors, and camper hookups

Vendor areas and wash stations

This integration makes the arena a rare hybrid facility capable of supporting both urban arena events and rural agricultural competitions.

Accessibility and Parking

Parking: The arena offers on-site parking for about 2,500 vehicles, with overflow areas nearby that accommodate up to 3,000 additional cars. Parking attendants are often present during major events to facilitate traffic flow.

Public Access: Located near major routes (Route 4 and the Capital Beltway), the arena is accessible via car and is a short drive from the Largo Town Center Metro Station, with bus connections available.

ADA Accessibility: All entrances, restrooms, seating areas, and parking zones are compliant with ADA standards.

Security and Guest Policies

Weapons Detection: A walk-through weapons detection system is in place at the main entrances during all large-scale events.

Re-entry Policy: As of May 2025, guests who exit the arena during an event will not be allowed to re-enter without a new ticket unless approved by staff due to emergency or medical reasons.

Prohibited Items: Outside food, beverages, weapons, large bags, and smoking/vaping are not permitted in the facility.

Recent Improvements

The arena underwent several upgrades in the 2010s and 2020s, including:

Installation of modern HVAC and lighting systems

Sound and video system enhancements for concerts and conferences

Seating renovations and restroom updates

Horse arena improvements such as upgraded footing, drainage, and stabling

These upgrades have improved both spectator comfort and performance standards, helping the arena stay competitive with newer venues.

Summary

The Show Place Arena is a highly adaptable and well-equipped facility, balancing the needs of a large indoor performance space with the unique requirements of equestrian sports. It stands out in the region for its capacity, accessibility, and the range of events it hosts-from national-scale horse shows and music performances to local community and school events. Its integration with the Prince George’s Equestrian Center makes it one of the most versatile venues in Maryland, suitable for virtually any type of gathering.