SNHU Arena

Have you ever wondered where the heart of New Hampshire's cultural and sporting life beats? Meet the SNHU Arena—a monumental multi-purpose complex located in the very center of Manchester. As the largest indoor arena in the state, it has become a key element in the revitalization of the business district and a true symbol of the USA in this region.

The building's architectural design is striking for its thoughtfulness and historical references. The curved blue roof not only looks futuristic but also serves an important practical role by helping to shed heavy snow. The oval steel facade, with its impressive evening lighting, harmoniously combines with red brick finishes that evoke the city's famous historic textile mills. Inside, the arena can accommodate up to 11,770 spectators during major concerts and over 9,000 people for hockey battles.

This venue is more than just a sports facility; it is a full-scale 230,000-square-foot entertainment center. Thanks to its versatile design, the SNHU Arena easily transforms from an ice rink into a concert hall or exhibition space, offering guests premium comfort, including 34 luxury suites and modern club areas.

To check the event schedule or for ticket inquiries, you can use the official communication channels. Please note that the arena administration recommends checking information about upcoming shows in advance on their website.

A visit to the SNHU Arena is always a firework display of emotions. Depending on the season, you can witness thrilling hockey matches or Boston Celtics preseason games. The atmosphere here reaches a fever pitch as the stands cheer for their favorites, while modern multimedia systems make the show truly immersive.

Music lovers are drawn to the arena for performances by world stars. Legends of the caliber of Aerosmith, Journey, and Phish have all performed within these walls. Beyond music, the venue regularly hosts WWE professional wrestling shows, circus performances, robotics competitions, and even major political speeches. The venue's versatility ensures there is an event for everyone.

Between the acts, guests will find plenty to do. You can stop by the Manchester Monarchs Pro Shop for unique souvenirs or take a stroll along the main concourse, which features numerous food and beverage kiosks. For those seeking a more relaxed setting, there is a cozy bar with a great view on the third floor. Don't forget to admire the facade's lighting if you are there after dark—it is one of the most Instagrammable spots in the city.

The landmark occupies a central position in the city, located at 555 Elm St. The SNHU Arena is situated at the intersection of Elm Street (U.S. Route 3) and Lake Avenue, making it an easily recognizable landmark. If you are traveling by car, follow highway I-293 to the Elm St exit—the building's bright, illuminated facade will be visible from afar.

For those who prefer public transport, Manchester Transit Authority buses stop within walking distance, running along the main streets. You can also use taxi or ride-sharing services from anywhere in the city center; the trip will take only a few minutes.

If you are arriving from another region, the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport is just a 5–10 minute drive away. Thanks to its prime location in the business district, the arena is easily accessible on foot from many popular hotels and restaurants.

The history of the SNHU Arena began in August 2000, when the first stone was laid on the site of a former Zayre's department store. This ambitious $70 million construction became the largest project in the city's history. During the construction process, workers had to remove about 100,000 yards of soil to position the arena floor below street level, and the assembly of 2,635 tons of steel was carried out under the harsh conditions of a New England winter.

The grand opening took place on November 15, 2001. That evening, the Manchester Monarchs and Adirondack Thunder hockey teams met on the ice, and shortly thereafter, the legendary Aerosmith performed under the arena's rafters. The facility was originally named the Manchester Civic Center and was later known as the Verizon Wireless Arena.

The current name appeared on September 1, 2016, when Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) acquired the naming rights. This deal not only gave the arena a new name but also strengthened the university's connection with the city community, providing students with unique opportunities for internships and hosting their own sporting events.

Over the years, the venue has hosted many iconic events: from regional NCAA hockey tournaments to spectacular WWE Backlash wrestling shows. Today, it remains the state's main cultural and sporting hub, constantly updating its technical facilities to meet world standards.

When planning a visit to the SNHU Arena, you should consider the type of event. If you are attending a hockey match, concert, or show, allow an average of 3 to 5 hours. This time includes passing through security, purchasing merchandise or grabbing a snack during breaks, and the performance itself.

If your goal is simply to view the building's architecture from the outside and peek into the lobby or gift shop (during their opening hours), 1–2 hours will be quite sufficient. For those looking to combine a visit with dinner at one of the nearby downtown restaurants, visiting the arena can be a great plan for an entire evening.

The SNHU Arena's operating hours depend directly on the schedule of planned events. Typically, doors open to visitors 1–2 hours before the start of a show or sports match, allowing enough time to find your seats and grab a snack. After the event concludes, the building closes shortly after the last guest departs.

To visit the box office or the team store, it is recommended to check their operating hours in advance on the official website, as there is no fixed schedule for general public access outside of event days.

A visit to this major entertainment center is perfectly complemented by a walk through the surrounding area. Its location in the historical and business heart of the city allows tourists to explore the region's industrial past and modern recreation areas just a few steps from the arena.