Cross Insurance Arena

Cross Insurance Arena. Located in the heart of Portland, Maine, it is a premier multi-purpose indoor arena and a cornerstone of the city's entertainment and sports landscape. Originally opened in 1977, the venue has hosted a vast array of events, from professional hockey and basketball to major concerts and family shows. A significant renovation in 2014 modernized its facilities, ensuring its continued role as a key economic and cultural driver for New England.

History

The facility first opened its doors in 1977 as the Cumberland County Civic Center, constructed to serve as a modern hub for large-scale events in the Greater Portland region. Its inaugural major tenant was the Maine Mariners of the American Hockey League, who brought professional hockey to the city and won multiple Calder Cup championships during their tenure. For decades, it operated under its original name, managed by the Cumberland County government, before ownership was transferred to the City of Portland, Maine in 2014. That same year, a major $34 million renovation was completed, updating concourses, seating, and infrastructure, coinciding with the sale of its naming rights.

Facilities and features

The arena features a versatile floor plan capable of hosting configurations for sports, concerts, and trade shows. Its seating capacity is flexible, accommodating up to 9,500 for concerts, 8,500 for basketball events like those of the Maine Celtics, and 6,733 for ice hockey. Modern amenities include upgraded concession stands operated by Levy Restaurants, new premium club seating areas, and state-of-the-art audio-visual systems. The renovation also improved accessibility and added new administrative offices, while the exterior integrates with the adjacent Cross Insurance Center and the Portland Exposition Building, forming a district for events.

Events

It has a storied history of hosting diverse events, making it a central venue for entertainment in Maine. It is the home arena for the Maine Celtics of the NBA G League and hosts select games for the University of Southern Maine Huskies. The concert roster is extensive, having featured legendary performers such as Elvis Presley, Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, and Taylor Swift. It regularly stages family shows like the Harlem Globetrotters, major sporting events including NCAA tournament games, and large community gatherings such as the Maine Principals' Association high school basketball tournaments. It has also been a site for political rallies, hosting figures like former President Bill Clinton.

Management and operations

Daily management and booking are handled by the Oak View Group, a global venue management and entertainment company, under a long-term agreement with the building's owner, the City of Portland, Maine. This partnership focuses on maximizing the venue's event calendar, from sports and concerts to conventions and consumer shows. Operations are supported by a partnership with Levy Restaurants for food and beverage services. The arena is a critical component of the local economy, generating significant economic impact for downtown Portland businesses, including hotels like the Westin Portland Harborview and restaurants throughout the Old Port.

Naming rights

In 2014, the naming rights were acquired by Cross Insurance, a major regional insurance agency headquartered in Bangor, Maine. The multi-year agreement marked a shift from the traditional publicly-funded name to a corporate sponsorship model, providing revenue for facility upkeep and operations. This sponsorship is part of a broader trend in venue naming, similar to deals for TD Garden in Boston and the XL Center in Hartford, Connecticut. The agreement underscores the commercial importance of the arena within the Maine market and the broader New England region.

Category:Arenas in Maine Category:Portland, Maine Category:NBA G League venues Category:American Hockey League venues