Cross Insurance Arena

Imagine a place where the energy of the stands blends with the magic of live sound — this is how the Cumberland County Civic Center, now known as the Cross Insurance Arena, welcomes its guests. Located in the cozy region of South Portland, this multi-purpose venue in the USA has been a major hub for sports and culture enthusiasts for decades.

The arena, which opened in the late 70s, underwent a major renovation, transforming into a modern complex with excellent acoustics and easy navigation. It accommodates up to 9,500 spectators during large-scale concerts and offers more than 6,000 permanent seats for sports fans. Thanks to its versatility, the building has become home to famous hockey teams and a venue for major regional exhibitions.

The significance of this facility is underscored by its role in community life: it hosts not only professional league games but also solemn graduation ceremonies, making the center an important part of the history of many local families. It is a unique space where modern amenities combine with the atmosphere of classic American arenas.

To check the upcoming match schedule or purchase tickets for world-class concerts, you can use the arena's official communication channels.

A visit to the Cumberland County Civic Center is, above all, an opportunity to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of big-time sports. Fans come here to support the Maine Mariners hockey team, watching the fast-paced attacks on the ice. In addition, the arena regularly hosts state basketball tournaments, boxing matches, and even cheerleading competitions, offering spectators a real thrill.

If you prefer music, the arena delights with performances by world stars — from the legendary Elton John to modern rock icons. For family fun, colorful shows like Disney On Ice, performances by the famous trick-basketballers Harlem Globetrotters, or breathtaking Cirque du Soleil productions are organized here. It is also worth checking out the themed exhibitions, such as the annual shows dedicated to landscaping and home improvement.

For those looking for a more exclusive experience, the arena offers comfortable VIP suites, where you can spend time in an intimate setting with an excellent view of the stage or the field. The energetic atmosphere of the concourse during intermissions allows you to feel the true American flavor of mass events.

Getting to the Civic Center is easy, as it is located in the heart of downtown. If you are already in the city, the arena is easily accessible on foot while enjoying the local streets. For those who prefer to drive, several large municipal parking lots and garages are located around the venue.

Travelers can use taxi services or Uber; the trip from Portland International Jetport takes only 10–15 minutes. Additionally, regional transit buses actively run in the area, providing connections to other parts of the city.

For those arriving from other regions, the Amtrak Downeaster train is an excellent option. The train station is nearby, allowing for a quick journey to your destination. The arena is fully accessible for people with limited mobility, making it convenient for all categories of tourists.

The history of this venue began on March 3, 1977, when the band ZZ Top performed on its stage. Since its opening, the facility, then known as the Cumberland County Civic Center, has been a stronghold of American hockey. For a long time, it served as the home arena for the Portland Pirates and the legendary Maine Mariners, who won the prestigious Calder Cup here three times.

In 2011, a large-scale renovation worth tens of millions of dollars was approved. The update touched everything from lighting systems to comfortable VIP suites and a modern concourse. After the work was completed in 2014, Cross Insurance acquired the naming rights, marking the modern stage of the venue's development.

An interesting tradition of the arena is the opportunity to sponsor spectator seats — many seats feature engravings with the names of local residents and devoted fans. This highlights the deep connection between the facility and Cumberland County and its residents, making every visit a truly heartfelt experience.

When planning your visit, consider the type of event. If you are attending a hockey match or a concert, you should set aside about 3-4 hours. This time will be enough to calmly pass through security, find your seat, and fully enjoy the show.

For visiting exhibitions or conferences, 1-2 hours is usually sufficient, though it is always useful to have some extra time to walk around the building and buy souvenirs. Keep in mind that on days of major events, lines can form at the parking lot and entrances, so it is recommended to arrive 45-60 minutes before the start.

The venue's administrative office typically operates from Monday to Friday, receiving visitors from 09:00 to 16:00. The office is closed on Saturday and Sunday, but this does not apply to the event times themselves.

Box office hours and door opening times for spectators depend directly on the specific event. We strongly recommend checking the latest information on the arena's official website before each trip to know the exact start time of a match or concert.

A visit to the region's main arena is a great reason to get closer to the state's historical heritage. Unique museums, historic mansions, and picturesque lighthouses are concentrated right next to the entertainment complex, creating the unique character of the Northeast coast.

A walk through the surrounding area will allow you to feel the atmosphere of a port city and enjoy ocean views. The table below presents the most interesting sites located nearby.