FORD CENTER
Ford Center is a 11,000-seat multi-purpose arena located in downtown Evansville, Indiana. The facility opened in November 2011 and is home to the Evansville Purple Aces men's basketball team and the Evansville Thunderbolts minor league hockey team in the SPHL. The arena has hosted the NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Elite Eight seven times (2014-2015, 2019, 2021-2024) and is set to host again in 2025.
CONCESSIONS
Experience culinary classics on our main concourse level. Enjoy a delicious Grilled Chicken Sandwich or a savory Cheeseburger; try our famous Loaded Nacho Cart, or delight in a slice of pizza. Try a fresh Salad, Soft Pretzel, or stick with the kid favorite Chicken Tenders & Fries. Don’t forget to grab one of our ice cold Coca-Cola products, and be sure to stop by Dippin’ Dots for dessert! No matter your tastes, the Ford Center has something to satisfy your cravings.
CLEAR BAG POLICY
The Ford Center has instituted a clear bag policy for all events. Approved bags are smaller than 12" x 6" x 12" and clear bags no larger than 12.75" x 6.5" x 12.75". Medical bags are subject to search and screening.
Backpacks and opaque bags exceeding 12" x 12" are not approved for entry. No storage of prohibited items will be available at the arena.
All bags are subject to visual inspection before entering the facility. No outside food or beverage allowed in the facility. Walkthrough metal detector screening required before entering the facility.
DIRECTIONS
From I-69
Head south on I-69 S. Take exit 9 for IN-62 / W Morgan Ave. Turn right onto IN-62/W Morgan Ave. Turn left onto US-41S and travel 3.9 miles. Turn right onto E Walnut St. and travel 1.3 miles. Turn right onto SE MKL Jr. Blvd. and travel 1.3 miles. The Ford Center is .1 miles on the left.
From I-64
Take the 164 S Evansville Exit. Head south on I-69 S. Take exit 9 for IN-62 / W Morgan Ave. Turn right onto IN-62/W Morgan Ave. Turn left onto US-41S and travel 3.9 miles. Turn right onto E Walnut St. and travel 1.3 miles. Turn right onto SE MKL Jr. Blvd. and travel 1.3 miles. The Ford Center is .1 miles on the left.
From Henderson and Locations South of Evansville
Merge onto US-41N via the ramp to Evansville. Travel 5.8 miles. Take the ramp to Southlane Dr. /Veterans Memorial Parkway. Travel 0.3 miles. Keep left at the fork to continue toward Southlane Dr. /Veterans Memorial Parkway. Travel 3.0 miles. Slight left one SE Riverside Dr. Travel 0.2 miles. Turn right onto Main St. and travel 0.5 miles. Ford Center is on the right.
PARKING
Downtown Evansville features ample parking, including more than 1,200 spaces in City owned parking garages on Third St. and Sycamore St. Parking in the City-owned garages will be $7 during events at the Ford Center. DoubleTree by Hilton, Deaconess Clinic, Fifth Third Bank and Old National also have parking garages Downtown. The DoubleTree by Hilton parking garage will be available for parking during events and the cost is $20. The Stone Family Center parking lot has 200 spaces and is located right behind the Ford Center between 5th and 6th Street. Entry is on Locust Street and parking in this lot is $10. The lot behind the Civic Center contains more than 1,100 parking spaces, which will be free during events at the Ford Center. The med school parking lot entry is on Locust St. between 6th and 5th streets.
Ford Center is conveniently located only one block from the METS transfer terminal. Finding parking and getting to and from an event at the Ford Center in Downtown Evansville should not pose any undue problems for guests.