Spokane Arena | Spokane

The Spokane Arena is a multi-purpose indoor sports and entertainment venue located in Spokane, Washington, USA.

It serves as the primary site for professional and collegiate sporting events, concerts, and other large-scale public gatherings within the city.

Visual Characteristics

The arena is a large, rectangular structure with a predominantly grey concrete exterior. Its roofline is a distinctive curved design. The main entrance features large glass panels and prominent signage. The interior seating capacity is approximately 10,364 for hockey and 12,600 for basketball, with additional configurations for concerts.

Location & Access Logistics

The Spokane Arena is situated at 720 West Mallon Avenue, Spokane, WA 99201. It is located approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) west of downtown Spokane. Access is via US Route 2 (Spokane Falls Boulevard) and US Route 395 (Maple Street). The arena has a dedicated parking lot with a fee for events. Public transport options include the Spokane Transit Authority (STA) bus routes 2, 4, and 27, which stop within a short walking distance.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the Spokane Arena began in 1993 and was completed in 1995. It was built on the site of the former Spokane Coliseum. The original purpose was to provide a modern facility for sports and entertainment, replacing the aging Coliseum and attracting larger events to the city.

Key Highlights & Activities

The arena hosts National Hockey League (NHL) exhibition games, National Basketball Association (NBA) exhibition games, and NCAA basketball tournaments. It is the home venue for the Spokane Chiefs (WHL hockey) and the Gonzaga Bulldogs men's basketball team. Concerts by national and international artists are regularly scheduled. Other events include monster truck rallies, professional wrestling, and ice shows.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available throughout the concourse. Concession stands offering food and beverages are located on multiple levels. Limited shaded areas are available in the immediate vicinity of the entrance. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally reliable within the arena. Several food vendors and restaurants are located within a 0.5-mile (0.8 km) radius, particularly in the downtown area.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit depends on the scheduled event. For optimal lighting for photography of the exterior, late afternoon or early morning provides softer light. The arena is operational year-round, with event schedules varying by season. No specific tide requirements apply.

Facts & Legends

A unique aspect of the arena's construction involved the use of pre-cast concrete sections, which allowed for rapid assembly. During the construction of the original Spokane Coliseum on this site, a significant discovery was made: a fossilized mammoth tusk, which is now housed at Eastern Washington University.

Nearby Landmarks

• Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture (0.3km West)
• Riverfront Park (1.2km East)
• Spokane Falls (1.5km East)
• Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox (1.8km East)
• Gonzaga University (2.5km Northeast)