Simmons Bank Arena celebrates 25th anniversary

NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark – From rock & roll to pop music, the Simmons Bank Arena has hosted plenty of talent over the past quarter century.

Over the years, many have come to the arena in North Little Rock to see some of the biggest names in entertainment. It first opened in October 1999 and before becoming Simmons Bank Arena, it was first known as Alltel Arena and later the Verizon Arena.

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General manager Michael Marion said they have had more than 3,000 events including The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift and many more.

“It’s a real thrill for us to be able to offer these types of artists so people don’t have to drive to Memphis, New Orleans or Dallas,” Marion said.

Marion said people love concerts and he has his favorites too.

“For me it was a big deal to have Paul McCartney in the building,” Marion said. “Harry Styles was a big thing that lasted a while.”

Since opening, it has attracted more than 10 million visitors, with a variety of events including gymnastics, wrestling and even monster trucks.

“People always want to be in the same room as their favorite artist,” Marion says.

The arena’s economic impact has generated just over €433 million since 1999, helping businesses on both sides of the river.

“The baseball field, the Clinton Library across the river and the River Market are about to undergo a revamp. We were a catalyst to help with all these things, even with the center of Argenta,” said Marion.

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Marion said it’s the memories made there that make the arena so special. He hopes more people will continue to come over the next 25 years.

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