Peoria Civic Center

Located in the heart of downtown Peoria, this multipurpose complex is a premier destination for culture, sports, and major events. The Peoria Civic Center in the USA houses a massive arena, an elegant theater, and vast exhibition halls under one roof. Designed by the renowned architect Philip Johnson, its architectural style is defined by bold geometric forms and striking glass atria.

Opened in 1982, the complex is recognized as one of the region's most innovative venues. A visual highlight is the monumental “Sonar Tide” sculpture—the last and largest work by abstract master Ronald Bladen. Inside, modern interiors and thoughtful infrastructure ensure comfort for thousands of visitors at once.

Thanks to its versatility, the center has become the heartbeat of the city's social life, hosting everything from intimate evenings to grand, sold-out shows. Its proximity to major hotels and the airport makes it an ideal spot on the tourist map for those seeking vibrant experiences in Illinois.

To find the latest information on events and purchase tickets, you can use the following contact details:

This venue is bustling year-round, offering entertainment for every taste. Sports fans can enjoy a fast-paced game by the Peoria Rivermen hockey team or cheer on the Bradley Braves basketball team. The arena is famous for its excellent acoustics and great views from every seat, making every match a thrilling experience.

For fans of the arts, the center's theater offers a rich program ranging from touring Broadway musicals to concerts by the Peoria Symphony Orchestra. It also frequently hosts performances by famous comedians and world-renowned pop stars. If you happen to visit during major conventions or festivals, be sure to stop by the exhibition halls—there’s always something new and informative to find.

Don't forget to take some time to appreciate the building itself: stroll through the spacious lobbies, admire the scale of the Sonar Tide sculpture, and soak in the atmosphere of a modern cultural hub. Thanks to its convenient downtown location, a visit here can easily be combined with dinner at one of the nearby restaurants.

Finding the Peoria Civic Center is easy, as it occupies a central location downtown at 201 SW Jefferson Ave. If you are arriving by plane, the trip from Peoria International Airport (PIA) by taxi or rental car will take no more than 10 minutes.

For travelers using public transport, the Peoria Mass Transit District buses stop in the immediate vicinity of the complex. If you are staying at a nearby hotel, the center is within walking distance, and some hotels are even connected to it by a special covered skywalk, which is especially convenient in cold weather.

The land on which the complex stands holds memories of significant chapters in American history. Starting in 1836, it was the site of Moses Pettengill's home, which served as a station on the Underground Railroad—a secret network that helped people escape slavery. Later, the site was home to the grand Jefferson Hotel, which was demolished in the late 1970s to make way for this ambitious new project.

The Peoria Civic Center itself was designed by the distinguished architect Philip Johnson, whose works are recognized as masterpieces of modernism. It officially opened on June 6, 1982, and has since become Illinois' premier venue for major events. In 2007, the center underwent a massive modernization, expanding its exhibition space and updating its interiors.

Over the decades, the venue has seen many records set. For instance, the arena hosted the legendary IHSA high school basketball finals, and a 2019 Bob Seger concert became the highest-grossing event in the center's history. Every performance here—from rock stars to classical ballet—adds a new chapter to the rich history of this landmark.

The amount of time you spend at the center depends entirely on your interests. If you are attending a specific event—whether it's a hockey game or a concert—plan for an average of 3–4 hours, including time for entry and intermissions.

For a quick look at the architecture and the famous Sonar Tide sculpture, about an hour is sufficient. If you are visiting for a large convention or a themed exhibition in the halls, your visit might last half a day, allowing you to explore all the displays in detail.

The center's operating hours depend directly on the schedule of planned events. Common areas and the box office are typically accessible on weekdays, but hall hours during concert or game days can extend late into the evening.

Visitors are recommended to check the start times for specific events on the center's official website in advance, as there are no fixed visiting hours for tourists without tickets.

A walk around the cultural center's surroundings will allow you to discover the city's historic character and its unique landmarks. Its location in the heart of Peoria provides access to many interesting sites within walking distance.