Step Inside: Spokane Arena – Home of the Spokane Chiefs

Home of the Spokane Chiefs

Spokane Arena is located in Spokane, Washington and is home to the Spokane Chiefs of the Western Hockey League. The arena is located in downtown Spokane near the new ONE Spokane Stadium and The Podium and has been a community staple for nearly three decades. Besides hosting hockey games, it is a premiere concert and live entertainment venue in the area.

What Events are Coming Up at Spokane Arena?

Spokane Arena History

Spokane Arena, officially called Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena, was constructed in 1993 and opened in 1995. It replaced Spokane Coliseum. In 2017, a new concessions area was added with the hockey arena setup in mind. The arena also features state-of-the-art LED video walls and ribbon boards that encapsulate most of the inner portion of the arena. The sound system is recognized as one of the best in the area.

For years, Washington State University and Gonzaga University would host at least one basketball game per year at Spokane Arena. It has played host to the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament six times, including the 2024 tournament. It has hosted the NCAA Division I women’s tournament three times. Spokane Arena has also hosted the U.S. Figure Skating Championships on numerous occasions, as well as multiple NHL exhibition games, WWE SmackDown!, and Professional Bull Riders Inc. events, and has been home to multiple indoor football and arena football teams. It also hosts the annual WIAA state basketball tournaments.

In addition to sporting events, Spokane Arena hosts large concerts each year. Previous acts who have performed there include Taylor Swift, Paul McCartney, and Shania Twain. The Star Theatre is another configuration of Spokane Arena that cuts the seating capacity by about half, making it ideal for theater concerts, family shows, Broadway productions, and more.

Parking and Admission at Spokane Arena

There are multiple parking lots surrounding Spokane Arena as well as ones that are open at nearby ONE Spokane Stadium and The Podium. North Lot A and North Lot B have over 1,000 parking spots. South Lot F only holds 51 parking spots. VIP Parking Lot G is for Suite and Club ticket holders. Disabled parking spots are found in North Lot B, South Lot F, and the VIP parking lot. Parking rates depend on the event and visitors will be notified via email before the event of the price of parking.

You cannot park overnight in any of the lots and you also cannot consume alcoholic beverages in them, per city ordinance. You are permitted to tailgate,but only after 12:00 noon on an event day and you must notify the Diamond Parking attendant upon entering the lot. You can take Spokane Transit Authority Shuttle 11 to the arena as well. The arena is also easily accessible from I-90. Spokane Arena policy for clear bags permits only clear bags smaller than 14″ x 14″ x 6″. Backpacks and small purses larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″ are not allowed. Outside food and drink, wallet chains, coolers, laser pointers, weapons, cans or bottles, video equipment, large signs, throwable objects, and more are not permitted inside the venue.

Spokane Arena Capacity & Seating Options

Spokane Arena’s capacity is as follows for different events:

• End Stage Concert (full) 11,661
• End Stage Concert (3/4) 10,988
• End Stage Concert (1/2) 10,882
• Hockey 9,916
• Basketball 11,736
• 3/4 House 8,039
• Center Stage Concert 11,660
• Star Theatre 5,529

For concerts, there are floor seats, lower bowl seats, and upper bowl seats available. For sporting events, there aren’t floor seats available. There are 16 luxury suites containing 146 seats that are leased on a five-year basis. Included in the suites are closed-circuit television, wet bars, refrigerators, and restrooms.

What are the best seats at Spokane Arena?

The best seats at Spokane Arena vary depending on the event and personal preferences. Check out Spokane Arena seating charts and find your favorite seat today.

Food & Beverage Options at Spokane Arena

There are two food courts and five additional concession stands at Spokane Arena. You’re able to get traditional arena food such as hot dogs, popcorn, ice cream, soda, beer, and water at any of the concession stands. The Market Food Court contains Griddled Sandwiches, Pizza Factory, Froyo Earth frozen yogurt, Craft Burger + Sausages, Noodled Asian Cuisine, and a 16-tap beer, cider, and wine bar. You can also choose to visit the taco stand that’s outside Section 113.