Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena | Spokane

Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena, often referred to simply as Spokane Arena, is a prominent multi-purpose indoor venue located in the heart of downtown Spokane, Washington. Since its opening in 1995, the arena has established itself as a central hub for sports, entertainment, and community events in the Inland Northwest region, attracting visitors from across Eastern Washington and neighboring states.

Location and Structure

Situated at 720 West Mallon Avenue, the arena enjoys a strategic downtown location with convenient access to nearby landmarks such as Riverfront Park, the Spokane Convention Center, and other major civic and entertainment venues. Its proximity to public transportation and ample parking facilities make it easily accessible for large crowds.

Architecturally, Spokane Arena is designed to accommodate a wide range of event types with a flexible floor plan and seating arrangements. The arena floor spans approximately 32,000 square feet, allowing for sports, concerts, trade shows, and large-scale community gatherings. The concourse area extends an additional 35,000 square feet, housing concession stands, merchandise shops, and lounges.

Seating and Capacity

The arena features a versatile seating capacity that varies depending on the event setup:

For end-stage concerts, it seats up to approximately 12,638 spectators.

Center-stage concerts can accommodate about 12,494 attendees.

Basketball games hold around 12,210 fans.

Arena football events draw roughly 10,771 people.

Ice hockey games, a staple at the arena, seat about 10,366.

Smaller or half-house configurations are available for more intimate gatherings, with seating for about 6,951 spectators.

Additionally, Spokane Arena includes 16 luxury suites with a total of 146 premium seats, providing a more exclusive experience with enhanced amenities such as private catering and dedicated entrances. Six meeting rooms totaling over 10,000 square feet are also part of the venue, supporting corporate events, banquets, and smaller gatherings.

Primary Uses and Tenants

Spokane Arena serves as home to several key sports teams and regularly hosts a variety of sporting competitions:

Spokane Chiefs: The arena is the home rink for the Spokane Chiefs, a major junior ice hockey team competing in the Western Hockey League (WHL). The Chiefs’ games are a major draw, known for their passionate fan base and lively atmosphere.

Indoor Football Teams: The arena also hosts indoor football games for teams such as the Spokane Shock and Spokane Empire, part of the Indoor Football League, providing a fast-paced and entertaining spectator experience.

The arena is a favored site for major collegiate and amateur sports events, including NCAA Division I basketball tournaments, figure skating championships, and occasionally NHL exhibition games. These events highlight the arena’s ability to accommodate professional-grade competitions and large audiences.

Entertainment and Concerts

Beyond sports, Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena is a premier concert venue, hosting internationally acclaimed artists and entertainers. The flexible seating configurations and state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems make it suitable for a wide range of performances, from massive rock concerts to family-friendly shows and theatrical productions.

Notable artists who have performed at the arena include legends like Elton John, Garth Brooks, and The Eagles, among others. The arena’s reputation for excellent acoustics and fan amenities has helped attract a consistent lineup of top-tier entertainment acts.

Facilities and Technology

Spokane Arena is equipped with modern audiovisual technology to enhance event experiences. It features a large 15-by-20-foot LED video board positioned above the center ice/floor area, complemented by a 350-degree LED ribbon board that runs around the interior of the arena, providing dynamic graphics and real-time event information.

The sound system includes high-quality Community RS880 speakers and Bose units strategically placed for clear and immersive audio throughout the venue. Luxury suites and meeting rooms are fitted with audiovisual equipment for presentations and private events.

Recent Renovations and Upgrades

To maintain its status as a top-tier facility, Spokane Arena underwent significant renovations in 2024. This $10 million interior refurbishment focused primarily on upgrading the seating infrastructure by replacing retractable seating systems on the north, south, and west sides of the arena. These upgrades have improved comfort, safety, and operational efficiency, ensuring that the venue remains modern and competitive.

Other improvements included general maintenance, technology updates, and enhancements to the fan experience such as improved concessions and restroom facilities.

Visitor Experience and Accessibility

The arena prioritizes accessibility and convenience for all visitors. It provides accessible seating options throughout, with dedicated spaces for guests with disabilities. The venue’s layout facilitates smooth crowd movement, and services such as accessible parking and entrances are well integrated.

Parking options include secured lots for service vehicles, trucks, and buses, with additional public parking available nearby. The arena’s location in downtown Spokane means visitors have easy access to dining, lodging, and other entertainment venues within walking distance.

Community Role and Events

Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena is more than just a sports and concert venue; it acts as a vital gathering place for the Spokane community. It hosts a wide array of events including trade shows, exhibitions, cultural festivals, graduations, and charity fundraisers. Its versatility and size make it an ideal choice for events ranging from local school functions to national touring productions.

Summary

In essence, Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena is a modern, adaptable venue that combines a large seating capacity with advanced amenities to serve the diverse entertainment and sporting needs of Spokane and the surrounding region. Its rich event calendar, professional-grade facilities, and central downtown location make it a cornerstone of Spokane’s cultural and recreational life. Whether hosting a high-energy hockey game, a star-studded concert, or a large convention, the arena delivers a high-quality experience for visitors and performers alike.