The Downtown Arena


When will the Downtown Arena open?
The Arena will open in November 2010 for the start of the 2010-11 men’s & women’s basketball seasons.

Where exactly is the Downtown Arena located?
In Downtown Louisville bordered by Main Street on the south, Third Street on the west, River Road on the north, and Second Street to the east.

Has construction started?
Construction began in August 2008 and is on schedule to be completed by November 2010.

What is the seating capacity of the Downtown Arena?
For basketball games, the Downtown Arena will seat 22,000 as compared to Freedom Hall which has a capacity of 18,865.

What is the seating configuration of the Downtown Arena?
There are 11,000 seats in the lower bowl (including luxury suites, premium boxes and terrace seats) and 11,000 seats in the upper bowl of the arena.

What accommodations are being made for disabled guests? Louisville Metro government’s Disabled Citizens Department, representatives from the Center for Accessible Living, and other interested organizations and individuals are being consulted throughout the design process. Wheelchair accommodations and accessibility will be priorities in the new Arena. The rise between the wheelchair platforms and the seats immediately in front of them are twice as high as the rise between regular seat rows. There are 200 wheelchair accessible seats along with 200 companion seats designated for UofL basketball games. Parking for disabled guests is available in all nearby parking facilities. 

Will there be places to eat and drink within the Downtown Arena?
On the main concourse there will be a restaurant which overlooks the Ohio River as well as a sports bar with a view into the arena bowl. There will be 28 permanent concession stands and approximately 28 portable stand locations.

Will there be CAF Donor Rooms?
Similar to Freedom Hall, for UofL basketball games, we will have three donor rooms: The Hickman-Camp Hall of Honor, The VIP Room and The ULA Room.

Will there be any other private rooms?
There will be two lounges (one on each side of the court) for side court club seat holders. There will also be two lounges (one in each endzone) for premium boxes and terrace seat holders.

What type of events will the Downtown Arena host?
This multi-purpose arena will be home to the University of Louisville men’s and women’s basketball programs. Additionally, it will accommodate a wide variety of other events including NCAA Championship events, first-rate concerts, circus, wrestling, boxing and ice shows.

Who owns the Downtown Arena?
The Downtown Arena is owned by the Louisville Arena Authority and is managed by the Kentucky State Fair Board.