Cadence Bank Arena

The multi-purpose Tupelo Arena (also known as the Cadence Bank Arena) is the premier entertainment and sports venue in Northeast Mississippi. Located near the heart of downtown Tupelo, it is a modern complex capable of hosting up to 10,000 spectators. It is a place where the energy of massive rock concerts meets the thrill of athletic competition.

The building was constructed in 1993 in the USA on the site of a former shopping mall and has since become a true symbol of urban development. The arena boasts approximately 3,000 square meters of exhibit space, making it an ideal venue not only for stadium shows but also for major trade fairs, conferences, and theatrical productions. Thanks to its versatility, the hall can be transformed for any need—from an intimate 4,500-seat theater to a full-scale sports arena.

Visitors appreciate the venue for its excellent acoustics and comfort. With a rating of 4.5, the Tupelo Arena is rightfully considered one of the top venues in the region, attracting both tourists and locals with its high-quality event management and friendly atmosphere.

To find out more about upcoming events, book tickets, or inquire about venue rentals, you can use the official contact details for the Cadence Bank Arena.

The main reason to visit is the venue's diverse event calendar, which has something for everyone. Here, you can witness performances by music legends like Elton John or Aerosmith, or enjoy shows by popular country music stars. Thanks to state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, every concert is an unforgettable spectacle.

For sports fans, the arena offers exciting basketball and hockey games, as well as spectacular rodeo shows, which are particularly popular in this region. Over the years, the venue has hosted the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters and major wrestling championships, ensuring that the spirit of competition is felt in every corner.

In addition to show business and sports, the arena regularly hosts large-scale trade shows and family entertainment. The spacious halls allow guests to move freely between exhibits, while the well-developed infrastructure—complete with lounge areas and food stalls—ensures that even a long stay remains comfortable.

The modern Tupelo Arena is conveniently located at 375 E Main St, right in the heart of the city. If you are traveling by car, the venue is easily accessible via US-78 or the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway, both of which lead directly into the city. The complex features extensive on-site parking to accommodate large crowds during major events.

For those arriving from further away, the nearest air hub is Tupelo Regional Airport (TUP), which is no more than a 15-minute taxi ride from the arena. Residents of nearby major cities, such as Memphis or Birmingham, usually prefer to drive via interstate highways; the trip typically takes between an hour and a half to two hours.

While public transportation in this part of the state is limited, the city is well-served by taxi companies and popular rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. If you are staying at a downtown hotel, the arena is easily reachable on foot or by bicycle, allowing you to soak in the Southern city atmosphere.

The history of the Tupelo Arena began in 1993, when it opened its doors as the Tupelo Coliseum. Notably, the building was constructed on the site of the old Downtown Mall, which closed in 1990. The reconstruction and construction cost the city an impressive $16 million, transforming a vacant space into one of the region's most significant entertainment hubs.

Over the decades, the complex has undergone several name changes reflecting its corporate partnerships. Initially the Coliseum, it was later known as the BancorpSouth Center and BancorpSouth Arena, before eventually receiving its current name in honor of Cadence Bank. Despite the changing signs out front, the essence of the venue remains the same—serving as the primary gathering point for the people of Mississippi.

For a long time, the arena served as the home for numerous local sports teams. It was the base for the Tupelo T-Rex hockey club, the Tupelo FireAnts and Mississippi MudCats football teams, and the Tupelo Hound Dogs indoor football team. These sporting traditions built the foundation for the venue's enduring popularity among fans.

Today, the Tupelo Arena remains a vital cultural landmark, with continuously updated infrastructure. It maintains its status as one of the best small-market venues in the Southern USA, hosting everything from historic wrestling matches to modern collegiate basketball tournaments.

When planning a visit to the Tupelo Arena, your schedule should depend on the type of event. If you are attending a major concert or a sporting match, plan to spend between 2 and 4 hours. This allows enough time to pass through security, find your seat, and enjoy the show. It is recommended to arrive 30–60 minutes before the official start time to avoid long lines.

For visitors attending trade shows, conventions, or conferences, the duration of your stay may be longer. In these cases, exploring the exhibits and participating in the program usually takes between 3 and 6 hours. The flexibility of the space allows organizers to create expansive layouts that are best explored at a leisurely pace.

The administration and box office of the Tupelo Arena operate on a consistent schedule, allowing visitors to plan their visit or ticket purchases in advance. The venue is open daily from 09:00 AM to 11:30 PM.

Please note that on days of major concerts or sporting events, opening hours for spectators may change based on the specific show schedule. It is always recommended to check the information on the official website before heading out.

Its central location makes a visit to the arena the perfect excuse to explore the surrounding area and sample the local cuisine and history. Within walking distance, you will find numerous cozy restaurants and landmarks that help you truly feel the spirit of the region.

A stroll after a concert or game allows you to see historic monuments and enjoy Tupelo's hospitality without spending much time in transit.