Carver Arena

Carver Arena is a multi-purpose arena located in Peoria, Illinois, and is home to the Peoria Rivermen ice hockey team and the Bradley Braves men's basketball team. The arena is named after George Washington Carver, a famous African American botanist and inventor who worked at the nearby Iowa State University and Tuskegee University. The arena has hosted various events, including concerts by Elton John, Billy Joel, and Kenny Chesney, as well as mixed martial arts events featuring UFC fighters like Ronda Rousey and Conor McGregor. The arena is also close to other notable venues, such as the Peoria Civic Center and the Dozer Park, home of the Peoria Chiefs baseball team.

● History

The history of Carver Arena dates back to the early 1980s, when the Peoria City Council approved plans for a new arena to replace the old Roberts Stadium. The arena was designed by Populous, a renowned architectural firm that has designed many other notable venues, including Wembley Stadium, Yankee Stadium, and the O2 Arena in London. The construction of the arena was overseen by Turner Construction, a leading construction company that has worked on many high-profile projects, including the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, home of the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks. The arena was officially opened in 1982, with a concert by Frank Sinatra, and has since hosted many notable events, including performances by The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, and Lady Gaga.

● Location

Carver Arena is located in the heart of Peoria, Illinois, within walking distance of the Illinois River and the Peoria Riverfront Museum. The arena is situated near several major highways, including Interstate 74 and Interstate 155, making it easily accessible by car. The arena is also close to Peoria International Airport, which offers flights to major destinations like Chicago, Illinois, St. Louis, Missouri, and Indianapolis, Indiana. Nearby attractions include the Caterpillar Inc. headquarters, the Peoria Zoo, and the Lakeview Museum of Arts and Sciences, which features exhibits on science, art, and history, including works by famous artists like Pablo Picasso and Vincent van Gogh.

● Design and Features

Carver Arena was designed with a seating capacity of over 12,000, making it one of the largest venues in the region. The arena features a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system, as well as a large video scoreboard and LED displays. The arena's design was influenced by other notable venues, such as the Madison Square Garden in New York City and the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The arena has undergone several renovations over the years, including a major upgrade in 2007, which added new seating areas, concession stands, and amenities like Wi-Fi and ATM machines. The arena is also equipped with advanced security features, including metal detectors and surveillance cameras, to ensure a safe and secure experience for visitors.

● Events and Tenants

Carver Arena has hosted a wide range of events, including concerts, sports games, and mixed martial arts events. The arena is home to the Peoria Rivermen ice hockey team, which competes in the SPHL, and the Bradley Braves men's basketball team, which competes in the MVC. The arena has also hosted events featuring notable performers like Taylor Swift, Kanye West, and Justin Bieber, as well as comedy acts like Kevin Hart and Amy Schumer. The arena has also been used for charity events, such as benefit concerts for organizations like the American Red Cross and the United Way.

● Seating and Amenities

Carver Arena offers a variety of seating options, including luxury suites, club seats, and general admission seating. The arena features several concession stands, offering a range of food and beverage options, including pizza, hot dogs, and beer. The arena also has several amenities, including restrooms, ATM machines, and Wi-Fi access. The arena's seating capacity can be configured to accommodate different types of events, from concerts to sports games to mixed martial arts events. The arena is also equipped with advanced accessibility features, including elevators and ramps, to ensure that all visitors can easily navigate the venue. Nearby hotels, such as the Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette and the Embassy Suites by Hilton Peoria Riverfront, offer convenient accommodations for visitors attending events at the arena.