Ford Center

Ford Center is a multi-purpose indoor arena located in Evansville, Indiana, and is home to the Evansville Purple Aces men's and women's basketball teams, which compete in the Missouri Valley Conference. The arena is also used for concerts, comedy shows, and other events, hosting performers such as Elton John, Kenny Chesney, and Jeff Dunham. The University of Evansville and Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation also use the arena for graduation ceremonies and other events, often featuring speakers like Condoleezza Rice and Bill Clinton. The arena's construction was made possible through the support of local businesses, including Old National Bank and Deaconess Health System.

● History

The Ford Center was opened in 2011, and has since become a major venue for events in the Midwest, hosting acts like Taylor Swift, Luke Bryan, and Florida Georgia Line. The arena has also hosted mixed martial arts events, including UFC fights featuring Ronda Rousey and Jon Jones. The Evansville Thunderbolts of the Southern Professional Hockey League also called the Ford Center home from 2016 to 2019, competing against teams like the Huntsville Havoc and Knoxville Ice Bears. The arena's history is also marked by notable performances, including concerts by The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, and Lady Gaga, as well as NCAA basketball tournaments featuring teams like University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, and Indiana University. The Ford Center has also hosted events like the Evansville Festival of Trees, which benefits organizations like St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and American Red Cross.

● Architecture

The Ford Center was designed by Populous, a renowned architectural firm that has designed many other notable venues, including Yankee Stadium, Wembley Stadium, and Sydney Opera House. The arena features a unique design, with a glass and steel exterior and a state-of-the-art sound system and lighting system. The arena's seating capacity is over 10,000, making it an ideal venue for large events, and its design has been influenced by other notable arenas like Madison Square Garden and United Center. The Ford Center's architecture has been recognized with awards from organizations like the American Institute of Architects and National Association of Home Builders, and has been compared to other notable buildings like the Guggenheim Museum and Burj Khalifa. The arena's design team included engineers from Thornton Tomasetti and ME Engineers, who worked together to create a unique and functional space.

● Events

The Ford Center hosts a wide range of events throughout the year, including concerts, comedy shows, and sports events, featuring performers like Kevin Hart, Dave Chappelle, and Chris Rock. The arena has also hosted motocross events, including the AMA Supercross Championship featuring riders like Ryan Dungey and Chad Reed. The Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra also performs at the Ford Center, offering a range of classical music concerts and educational programs, often featuring guest conductors like Gustavo Dudamel and Marin Alsop. The arena has also hosted events like the Evansville Home Show, which features exhibits from companies like Lowe's and Home Depot, and the Evansville Boat Show, which showcases boats from manufacturers like Bayliner and Regal Boats. The Ford Center's event schedule is managed by SMG, a leading venue management company that also manages venues like Xfinity Center and PNC Arena.

● Location

The Ford Center is located in downtown Evansville, Indiana, within walking distance of many restaurants, hotels, and other attractions, including the Evansville Museum of Arts, History and Science and the Reitz Home Museum. The arena is easily accessible from Interstate 69 and U.S. Route 41, making it a convenient destination for visitors from across the Midwest, including cities like Indianapolis, Louisville, and St. Louis. The Ford Center is also close to other notable landmarks like the Ohio River and Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden, and is surrounded by a vibrant downtown area with shops and restaurants like The Old Mill Inn and RiRa Irish Pub. The arena's location has been recognized as one of the best in the country, with awards from organizations like the International Downtown Association and National Association of Counties.

● Facilities

The Ford Center features a range of facilities, including a state-of-the-art sound system and lighting system, as well as a variety of concessions and merchandise options, including food from vendors like Papa John's and Domino's Pizza. The arena also features a range of luxury suites and club seats, offering a premium experience for events, and its facilities have been recognized with awards from organizations like the International Association of Venue Managers and National Association of Sports Commissions. The Ford Center's facilities are managed by a team of experienced professionals, including staff from Aramark and Delaware North, who work together to ensure a high level of service and quality for all events. The arena's facilities have also been influenced by other notable venues like AT&T Stadium and Lucas Oil Stadium, and have been designed to meet the needs of a wide range of events and performers.

Category:Indoor arenas in the United States