Cross Insurance Center

In the heart of Maine lies the Bangor Arena, more commonly known as the Cross Insurance Center. This modern multipurpose complex, which opened in 2013, quickly became the premier venue for large-scale events in Bangor. Built for an impressive $65 million, the arena replaced the old civic center, offering guests a completely new level of comfort and technical facilities.

This USA landmark impresses with its scale: the permanent stands seat 8,050 spectators, and for concerts, the capacity can increase to 8,500 people. The vast space of over 26,000 square feet includes not only a hockey-sized arena floor but also luxurious ballrooms and modern meeting rooms.

Thanks to its prime location near the international airport and a major highway, the complex is a hub for tourists from across the country. It harmoniously combines sporting excitement, a business atmosphere, and a vibrant entertainment industry, making it a must-visit for those who want to see modern American city life from the inside.

To check the event schedule or inquire about venue rentals, you can contact the Cross Insurance Center administration directly.

Below are the current contact details for the venue:

The arena is always buzzing with activity: it is the official "home" for the University of Maine men's and women's basketball teams. Attending a game is a great way to experience the true energy of American college sports. Additionally, the venue hosts over a hundred different events annually, including concerts by world-class stars, theatrical productions, and large-scale conferences.

Be sure to head up to the second floor to visit the Maine Basketball Hall of Fame. This unique space houses rare photographs, memorabilia, and artifacts telling the story of basketball in the state. History and sports fans will find it fascinating to explore the exhibits and learn about the region's legendary figures.

If you are visiting for business, there are 18 conference rooms with various configurations, perfect for banquets or exhibitions. After a busy day inside, you can take a stroll through the adjacent park, home to the famous Paul Bunyan statue—a giant lumberjack from American folklore.

Reaching the arena is easy, as it is conveniently located at 515 Main Street. If you are arriving in the region by plane, the trip from Bangor International Airport takes only a few minutes by taxi or rental car.

For those traveling by car, the facility is located in close proximity to Interstate 95 (I-95). Parking shouldn't be an issue: onsite parking is available, and there is an additional parking garage directly across the street.

Within Bangor, you can use local taxi services or public transportation, which runs regularly along Main Street. Thanks to its central location, the building is easily visible and serves as an excellent landmark for tourists.

The history of this venue is inextricably linked to the name of Woodrow Cross, the founder of the Cross Insurance empire. Remarkably, Cross began his business journey at the age of six by selling seeds to neighbors; decades later, his company became the naming sponsor for this grand center. Woodrow himself was involved in the construction of the original auditorium that previously stood on this site and symbolically became the first person to take his seat in the new arena.

The modern complex, designed by the Sink Comb Dethlefs architectural firm, was officially opened in 2013. It replaced the old Bangor Civic Center, which was demolished earlier that summer to make way for a more technologically advanced and spacious facility.

The opening of the Cross Insurance Center solidified Bangor's status as the region's cultural and sporting capital. Today, it is not just a stadium but an important architectural element of the city, complementing other iconic venues like the Maine Savings Amphitheater.

A point of pride for the complex is the Maine Basketball Hall of Fame, located on the second floor. The hall's interiors, designed by WBRC, carefully preserve the memory of outstanding players and coaches who contributed to the development of the sport in the region.

The duration of your visit will depend entirely on your purpose for going. If you are attending a basketball game or a concert, you should budget about 3-4 hours. This allows enough time to park, go through security, and enjoy the main event.

For those who simply want to explore the history of sports in Maine and visit the Basketball Hall of Fame, 1-2 hours is usually sufficient. This is plenty of time to leisurely browse the artifacts and photographs.

If you are attending a business conference or a trade show, plan to spend the entire day here, following the official event program.

The standard business hours for the center's administration are Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office is typically closed on Saturdays and Sundays, though this does not apply to days with scheduled events.

Please note: Access for visitors depends directly on the schedule of games, concerts, or exhibitions. To ensure you don't miss an event and to check door opening times, we strongly recommend verifying details on the arena's official website in advance.

A visit to the arena can easily be combined with exploring other interesting sites in the city. Strolling around the neighborhood will allow you to get a better feel for the Maine atmosphere, sample local cuisine, and admire historic architecture.

Here is a list of notable attractions located nearby: