Allen Arena

Imagine a place where the energy of college sports meets the solemnity of official ceremonies. Allen Arena is a modern indoor complex located in the heart of the Lipscomb University campus in Nashville, USA. Named after benefactors James and Linda Allen, it is not just a gym, but the true heart of campus life in Tennessee.

This multi-purpose venue seats over 5,000 spectators and serves as the home arena for the Lipscomb Bisons teams. It hosts exciting basketball and volleyball matchups, and its high-tech equipment allows for events of all scales: from daily chapel services to grand musical concerts and national television awards.

A special feature of the facility is its architectural continuity: the modern building is harmoniously connected to the historic McQuiddy Gymnasium, creating a unique space for training and competition. Visitors note the excellent acoustics and comfortable conditions, making Allen Arena one of the coziest yet most high-energy venues in the southern part of the city.

To plan your visit or inquire about event details, you can use the venue's official contact information. The university administration and athletic department are always ready to assist visitors with information regarding tickets and campus access.

Below is detailed contact information for reaching representatives of Allen Arena.

The main magnet for visitors here is Lipscomb Bisons home games. The atmosphere during basketball games is electric, especially when fans perform traditional "court storming" after major victories. If you are lucky enough to attend an ASUN Conference tournament, you can fully experience the spirit of American college sports.

Beyond sports, the venue is known as a cultural center. Over the years, celebrities such as Jay Leno and Sinbad have performed here, and the arena has hosted the prestigious GMA Dove Awards ceremonies. For architecture and sports history enthusiasts, it is worth looking into the adjacent McQuiddy Gym, where practices are still held and the old-school basketball spirit can still be felt.

If you find yourself on campus during a weekday, you can attend the daily chapel services—a great opportunity to see the arena in a more peaceful and contemplative setting. Additionally, the availability of convenient parking and developed campus infrastructure allows you to complement your visit with a pleasant walk among the academic buildings and shaded campus alleys.

Reaching this sports center is easy, as it is conveniently located right on the Lipscomb University campus. If you prefer to travel by car, follow Granny White Pike—the drive from the city center takes about 10–15 minutes. For guests' convenience, there is a 480-space covered parking garage connected directly to the arena building.

For those using Nashville public transportation, the WeGo bus system routes are suitable. The nearest stops are on Belmont Boulevard or along Granny White Pike, from where the entrance to the building is just a few minutes' walk. From Nashville International Airport (BNA), a taxi or rental car ride takes approximately 20–25 minutes.

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also popular among tourists and locals. A trip from downtown will cost approximately $20–$30 depending on the time of day and traffic conditions. If you are staying nearby, a stroll through the picturesque neighborhood of South Nashville makes for a pleasant addition to your visit to a sporting event.

The history of Allen Arena began in the summer of 2000, when the old McQuiddy Gymnasium and the Yearwood Hall women's dormitory were demolished on campus. The construction of the new $16.5 million modern complex was a significant step for the university in connection with its transition to NCAA Division I. A substantial portion of the funds was donated by alumnus James S. Allen, for whom the facility was named.

The grand opening took place on October 28, 2001. The inaugural event was a "In His Hands" devotional service that gathered thousands of people. Interestingly, in the very first home game for the Bisons basketball team, fans witnessed a "miracle": player Clayton Osborne hit a three-quarter court shot at the final buzzer, snatching victory for his university.

Over the years, the arena has hosted many landmark events. In 2010, when the famous Grand Ole Opry house was damaged by flooding, Allen Arena temporarily became the home for the legendary show. It also regularly hosts prestigious music awards, such as the GMA Dove Awards, which are broadcast nationwide, confirming the venue's status as an important cultural center for the region.

Architecturally, the arena was integrated into the existing campus infrastructure. Part of the old McQuiddy Gym was preserved and connected to the new building, creating a single multi-functional complex for training, official matches, and student events. This blend of history and modernity makes the facility a unique landmark for the entire Nashville community.

Planning your visit time depends directly on the purpose of your trip. If you plan to attend a basketball or volleyball match, it is recommended to set aside about 2–3 hours. This is enough time to comfortably pass through security, find your seats, and enjoy the dynamic game of the university teams.

For those who simply want to see the arena's architecture and walk around the beautiful Lipscomb University campus, one hour will be sufficient. If your plan includes attending a concert or a formal ceremony, aim for the duration of the event program, which typically lasts from 1.5 to 2.5 hours.

The arena's schedule is entirely tied to the university event calendar and sports seasons. Unlike museums, the venue does not have fixed visiting hours for general entry and opens its doors 1–1.5 hours before the start of scheduled games or concerts.

Before planning your visit, it is highly recommended to check the official Lipscomb Sports website or the university's event calendar. This will ensure that the arena is open on your chosen day and that you don't miss any interesting events.

The university's surroundings offer many opportunities for recreation and entertainment to make your trip even more fulfilling. After attending a game or concert, consider checking out the family parks and themed attractions within a few kilometers.

Below is a list of interesting places located near the sports complex: