To spot Spokane Arena, just look ahead for the impressive, modern building with its curved silver roof and sleek glass front, sitting boldly on the corner surrounded by trees and a big sign that says “Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena.”
Now that you’re standing right here, let me tell you a tale of local determination, drama, and a dash of sports magic! Imagine Spokane in the late 1980s: folks were ready to retire the old Spokane Coliseum-a place so undersized that even standing-room tickets had people sharing elbow space with hot dog vendors. The dream? A top-tier arena built right here, smack in the heart of downtown, and big enough to actually fit the crowds who loved their entertainment loud, proud, and, honestly, a little more comfortably!
But Spokane’s dreams met some pretty stubborn reality-voters rejected the idea four times in just six years. Picture the scene: city council meetings packed with passionate debates, neighbors arguing over taxes while the Spokane Chiefs wished for a fresher home on ice. After what seemed like endless public votes, you might have thought the arena had accidentally become the region’s favorite soap opera-Will they or won’t they build it?!
Finally, in 1991, after enough ballots to wallpaper an entire Zamboni, voters gave the green light. Property taxes, sales tax increases, even a 2% hotel room tax-everyone chipped in to gather a whopping $44.8 million. Cue the construction crew and their hard hats-on March 5, 1993, the ground was officially broken. After two and a half years, in September 1995, Spokane Arena opened its shiny doors.
Inside, the arena is a wonder: up to 12,638 rabid fans at concerts, and over 12,000 for center-stage shows-there’s even a plan for future expansion, in case the Spokane Chiefs suddenly turn hockey into an even bigger hit than sliced bread. And the tech? It’s got a massive LED video board-so crisp you can see the sweat on a hockey player’s brow from the bathroom line. Add in a 350° ribbon board and a sound system so clear, you’d think you were front row at a rock concert even if you’re up in the “nosebleed” seats.
The Spokane Arena quickly became a legend in its own right, hosting not only Spokane Chiefs games, but also everything from electrifying Gonzaga and Washington State basketball matchups to epic concerts and even bull riding events. In 1999, the Professional Bull Riders brought thousands of fans stomping and cheering as world champion Cody Hart took the show by storm.
Sports? There’s barely room here to list them all. Spokane Arena was there for historical basketball face-offs-Gonzaga vs. Washington State’s fierce battles, NCAA tournament games that sent crowds into frenzies, and state high school tournaments where local legends were born. Even the West Coast Conference tournament never made it to Spokane until newer arenas arrived, because every spring, basketball was king here.
If you’re more of a music fan, the Star Theatre configuration inside brings Broadway and top-tier concerts. Beyoncé strutted her stuff, Taylor Swift spun her stories, and even Paul McCartney kicked off his Got Back Tour right here-if these walls could talk, they’d probably be a bit starstruck.
On ice, the Spokane Chiefs have set the rink ablaze, even hosting the 1998 Memorial Cup and two NHL pre-season games. Figure skating championships have broken attendance records-Spokane just loves drawing people together, whether it’s for triple axels or triple salchows (and if you can tell the difference, you’re way ahead of me!).
The place isn’t just about what’s inside, either-expansions and renovations have made it a modern marvel, from luxury suites to backstage dressing rooms fit for stars and athletes alike. In 2023, renovations brought even more seat upgrades, new lighting, and locker room improvements, just to keep the arena sparkling for the next generation of memories.
Standing here today, you can almost hear echoes from decades of cheers, the slap of a hockey puck, the chords of a rock ballad, and the distant moo of a championship bull. Spokane Arena is where Spokane comes together-for the thrill, the spectacle, and sometimes... just for a hot dog and a laugh. So soak it in-and maybe, flash your best victory dance-you’re standing next to a Spokane legend!
