SPG covers seven state-of-the-art indoor arenas in the eastern United States
Indoor arenas are a major part of the entertainment and sports worlds, with events ranging from basketball to live music, comedy and more. On the sports spectrum there is a significant variety continuing to grow, particularly with the emergence of esports and indoor pickleball. Event planners searching for some of the top sports spots in the eastern U.S. need look no further as SPG takes a look at seven of the best.
Bank OZK Arena — Hot Springs, Arkansas
Bank OZK Arena is primed to host any indoor sport.
Located just south of Arkansas’ beautiful Hot Springs National Park is Bank OZK Arena. This modern indoor arena was built with multiple sporting events in mind. It features a seating capacity of up to 6,300, though this will range depending on the event. In addition to intercollegiate basketball tournaments, OZK has hosted GAC Volleyball and U.S. Indoor Pickleball Championships. Live music events are also regularly held.
Bank OZK Arena is directly connected to the Hot Springs Convention Center, making large scale events easier to plan. Hot Springs has multiple routes connecting to the city with I-35 the closest interstate southwest of Little Rock. The nearest airport is Memorial Field, only 10 minutes out, with a larger international airport about one hour away in Little Rock.
Colonial Life Arena — Columbia, South Carolina
March Madness at Colonial Life Arena.
Located in the heart of Columbia, Colonial Life Arena is one of the most impressive indoor arenas in South Carolina. Not only is it the largest arena in the state, but the eighth largest college arena in the county. Colonial Life has a seating capacity of up to 18,000 and is widely known as the home of the Gamecocks men’s and women’s basketball teams.
In addition to intercollegiate basketball, Colonial Life hosts live music and other special events such as Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Disney on Ice. There are multiple routes to get to the arena, including Interstates 20, 26 and 77 from all directions. Colonial Life is also only a 15-minute drive from Columbia Municipal Airport.
Dunkin’ Donuts Center — Providence, Rhode Island
Ice hockey is just one of many sports Dunkin’ Donuts Center can host.
The Dunkin’ Donuts Center, colloquially known as “The Dunk,” is the premier indoor arena for sports in Rhode Island. Though originally built in 1972, the 13,000-capacity arena has undergone $80 million in renovations in recent years. The Dunk has not only hosted major past NCAA basketball tournaments, but is also the home of the AHL’s Providence Bruins.
The Dunk is directly connected to the Rhode Island Convention Center and adjacent to the Omni Providence hotel. This makes planning sporting events all the more convenient. Getting to the arena is a breeze as it’s located in Downtown Providence off of I-95. For those arriving from further out, Rhode Island TF Green International Airport is about a 20-minute drive.
Exactech Arena at Stephen C. O’Connell Center — Gainesville, Florida
The Gators are ready for action at Exactech Arena.
Exactech Arena at Stephen C. O’Connell Center is the main indoor arena located on the University of Florida campus. The home of the Florida Gators is not just exclusive to basketball, but a host of intercollegiate sports including swimming, gymnastics and more. In 2016, the 12,000-capacity arena underwent significant renovations to improve everything from the locker rooms and meeting areas to adding luxury club box seats.
In addition to intercollegiate sports, Exactech Arena also hosts trade shows, large banquets and more. Gainesville is only a short jump from I-75, with the university campus located directly along Route 24. The nearest airport is Gainesville Regional, which is less than 20 minutes away.
Hampton Coliseum — Hampton, Virginia
Hampton Coliseum’s architecture always stands out.
Set on a scenic waterfront, Hampton Coliseum is one of the most recognizable architectural jewels in all of Hampton Roads. Seating capacity for the coliseum depends on the event, with nearly 10,000 for indoor sports and up to 13,800 for concerts. With its adaptability, the coliseum is able to host a wide range of sports from basketball to boxing to gymnastics.
Opened in 1969, Hampton Coliseum is modernly equipped with features such as Xenon Super Trooper Lights and state-of-the-art sound system. Located in central Hampton, the coliseum is accessible at the convergence of I-64 and I-664. If you’re visiting from afar, the Norfolk International Airport is less than a half hour away.
Jerry Richardson Indoor Arena — Spartanburg, South Carolina
The open court at Jerry Richardson Indoor Arena.
Located in Spartanburg, the Jerry Richardson Indoor Arena serves as the home to Wofford College’s Terriers. Opened in 2017, the indoor arena seats a capacity of 3,400 with non-sporting capacity up to 4,500. In addition to a state-of-the-art training room, meeting rooms and locker rooms, the arena features open air suites at all four corners.
Not only does Jerry Richardson Indoor Arena succeed at sports events inside, it also has a stunning exterior architecture. The Wofford College campus is located just off of I-585. Spartanburg’s Downtown Airport is only about 10 minutes away for those traveling from out of state.
The Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss — Oxford, Mississippi
The open court at SJB Pavilion at Ole Miss.
The Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss (SJB Pavilion) is a modern indoor arena and home to Rebels men’s and women’s basketball. Opened in 2016, SJB Pavilion has a seating capacity of up to 9,500 with 1,700 premium seats. Unique to the arena is the largest center-hung video display board in college sports, featuring 13 video displays and approximately 2,400 square feet of LED. High quality locker rooms, green room space and more are icing on the cake.
In addition to intercollegiate basketball, SJB Pavilion also hosts special events such as live music acts. The arena is technically located along Route 278 in University, Mississippi, a CDP covering the university campus. Centrally located on campus, it is quite easy to find. For those traveling in from afar, University-Oxford Airport is only about 10 minutes away.
By Christopher D. Silbernagel
Main image: The SJB Pavilion at Ole Miss is sure to impress.
