Sun National Bank Center (CURE Insurance Arena) | Trenton

The CURE Insurance Arena, formerly known as the Sun National Bank Center and originally Sovereign Bank Arena, is a major multipurpose venue located at 81 Hamilton Avenue in Trenton, New Jersey. Since its opening in 1999, it has become a central hub for sports, concerts, and community events in Central New Jersey, combining modern architectural design with versatile functionality.

Historical and Naming Background

The arena opened on October 6, 1999, as the Sovereign Bank Arena. It was built to revitalize downtown Trenton by providing a venue capable of hosting a broad variety of events. Over the years, the arena’s name changed following corporate sponsorship deals: it became the Sun National Bank Center and eventually, in 2017, was renamed the CURE Insurance Arena after an agreement with CURE Auto Insurance. These naming transitions reflect the arena’s ongoing relationship with local businesses and its integration into the regional economy.

Architectural Features and Capacity

The CURE Insurance Arena was designed by the architectural firms Sink Combs Dethlefs and Vitetta Group, at a cost of approximately $53 million. The arena encompasses 250,000 square feet, showcasing a contemporary design focused on flexibility and audience experience.

The seating capacity adjusts depending on the event type:

Ice Hockey: Approximately 7,605 seats

Basketball: Around 8,600 seats

Concerts and Other Events: Can expand to accommodate up to 10,500 spectators

This adaptability makes it the largest indoor arena in Central New Jersey, capable of hosting everything from sporting competitions to large-scale concerts and family shows.

The design incorporates modern amenities such as spacious concourses, multiple concession stands, luxury suites, and well-equipped locker rooms, enhancing both attendee comfort and performer convenience. Its acoustics and lighting systems are optimized for entertainment and sporting events, making it a preferred venue for diverse programming.

Sports and Athletic Significance

Since its inception, the arena has been closely tied to professional and collegiate sports:

It was the longtime home of the Trenton Titans, an ECHL ice hockey team, which played there from 1999 until the team’s suspension in 2013. The Titans enjoyed a period of success, notably winning the Kelly Cup championship in 2005, which is the ECHL’s playoff championship trophy.

The arena also hosted indoor football teams such as the Trenton Steel (2011) and the Trenton Freedom (2014–2015), adding to its profile as a versatile sports venue.

On the collegiate level, the arena has hosted several NCAA events, including the Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament games in 2006 and 2009, as well as the Northeast Conference Men’s Basketball Tournaments in 2000 and 2001. These events brought significant attention and visitors to the city, emphasizing the arena’s capacity for high-profile competitions.

Additionally, it is a favored location for regional cheerleading competitions, including the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) Northeast Regional, which draws teams from various states and contributes to the local sports culture.

Entertainment and Cultural Role

The CURE Insurance Arena has become a premier destination for live entertainment in New Jersey. It has hosted concerts by internationally acclaimed artists across multiple music genres, including:

Rock and pop legends such as Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, and Cher

Country stars like Shania Twain and Carrie Underwood

Contemporary pop sensations such as Justin Bieber and JoJo Siwa

Heavy metal bands including GHOST

Beyond concerts, the arena regularly presents family-oriented entertainment like Disney On Ice, Hot Wheels Monster Trucks LIVE, and performances by the Harlem Globetrotters, making it a cultural gathering spot for audiences of all ages.

The venue also supports community events such as graduations, expos, conventions, and charity fundraisers, reflecting its role not just as an entertainment site but as a civic asset.

Recent Upgrades and Community Impact

In recent years, the arena has undergone various improvements to enhance visitor experience, including the modernization of concession areas with more grab-and-go options, upgraded seating areas, and enhancements to the premium suites. These upgrades help maintain the arena’s competitiveness as a leading entertainment venue in the region.

The CURE Insurance Arena continues to play a crucial role in Trenton’s economic and cultural revitalization. It draws thousands of visitors annually, which benefits local businesses and raises the city’s profile as a destination for sports and entertainment. The arena’s programming diversity ensures it remains relevant and accessible to a wide spectrum of the community.

Summary

In essence, the CURE Insurance Arena stands as a versatile, modern facility that successfully combines sports, entertainment, and community engagement under one roof. Its history, architectural sophistication, and continued adaptability secure its place as a landmark in Trenton, fostering both economic development and cultural enrichment.