| Location | 515 Main Street Bangor, Maine |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 44°47′21″N 68°46′45″W |
| Broke ground | August 4, 2011[1] |
| Opened | September 10, 2013 |
| Owner | City of Bangor |
| Operator | Spectra |
| Surface | Multi-surface |
| Construction cost | $65 million[2] ($ in dollars) |
| Architect | Sink Combs Dethlefs[3] WBRC Architects Engineers |
| Structural engineer | Martin/Martin, Inc.[4] |
| Services engineer | M–E Engineers, Inc.[4] |
| General contractor | Cianbro Corporation[3] |
| Former names | Bangor Arena |
| Tenants | University of Maine Black Bears |
| Seating capacity | Seats: 5,800 (plus 1,500 retractable) Concerts: 8,500 Convention: 2,000[5] |
| Website | crossinsurancecenter.com |
The Cross Insurance Center is a 5,800-seat multi-purpose arena in Bangor, Maine, United States. The arena holds up to 8,500 people for concerts, and features an attached 2,000-person convention center. It was built at an estimated cost of $65 million. Part of the city's Bass Park complex, it is located across from Hollywood Casino Bangor.[5] It is the home of the basketball teams of the Maine Black Bears.
History
The Bangor Auditorium was a 5,948-seat multipurpose arena located in downtown Bangor. It became a statewide icon by hosting the Maine Principals' Association basketball tournament each February, which is broadcast by the Maine Public Broadcasting Network.
Beginning sometime in the late 2000s, the city began discussing replacing the arena. In May 2011, the city held a public referendum in which voters supported building new facilities to replace the Auditorium and Civic Center by a margin of 3 to 1.
Demolition began at the Bangor Auditorium and Civic Center on June 3, 2013, with the new arena completed.[6]
The facility is managed by Spectra, a division of Comcast. On July 20, 2012, it was announced that Cross Insurance Agency had purchased naming rights to the arena (previously referred to only as "Bangor Arena") for $3 million.[7]
On July 31, 2013, the University of Maine announced that the Maine Black Bears basketball teams would play "over half" of their games at the new arena.[8]
Noted performers
- The Band Perry
- John Fogerty
- Brantley Gilbert
- Mannheim Steamroller
- Megadeth
- Brad Paisley
- Queens of the Stone Age
- Bob Seger
- Ringo Starr
- Mötley Crüe
- James Taylor
- Frankie Valli
- Elton John
- Brian Wilson
- Polo G
- Trippie Redd
- NLE Choppa
- The Kid LAROI
Events
See also
- Alfond Arena at the University of Maine in nearby Orono
References
- ^ Neff, Andrew (August 4, 2011). "Ground Broken for New Bangor Arena, Convention Center". Bangor Daily News. Archived October 13, 2014 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved February 16, 2014.
- ^ Neff, Andrew (August 1, 2012). "Bangor Councilors See Lower-Than-Expected Total Debt Service Cost for New Arena". Bangor Daily News. Archived August 9, 2015 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved February 28, 2013.
- ^ Russell, Eric (June 24, 2010). "Order Given to Design, Price Bangor Arena". Bangor Daily News. Archived November 4, 2013 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved February 16, 2014.
- ^ "Award of Merit: Safety & Best Sports/Entertainment". Engineering News-Record. November 10, 2014. Archived February 14, 2015 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved February 13, 2015.
- ^ McCrea, Nick (June 4, 2013). "Cross Insurance Patriarch Takes Ceremonial Seat at $65 Million Bangor Arena". Bangor Daily News. Archived November 2, 2013 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved June 4, 2013.
- ^ "Demolition Begins at Bangor Auditorium". Bangor Daily News. June 3, 2013. Archived September 22, 2014 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved June 4, 2013.
- ^ Neff, Andrew (July 20, 2012). "Cross Insurance Buys Naming Rights for New Bangor Arena, Will Pay $3 Million Over 15 Years". Bangor Daily News. Archived March 16, 2013 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved February 19, 2013.
- ^ Mahoney, Larry (July 31, 2013). "UMaine Basketball Teams to Play Most Games at Cross Insurance Center". Bangor Daily News. Archived May 22, 2015 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 8, 2013.