The Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) Arena is Manchester’s monumental sports, music, and entertainment venue. Opened on November 15, 2001 as the Verizon Wireless Arena (later the Manchester Civic Center), the arena’s first event saw an AHL game between the Manchester Monarchs and Adirondack Thunder. The following night, Aerosmith took the stage to the delight of thousands of fans. The venue serves a myriad of entertainment purposes, and hosts between 10 and 12 thousand spectators depending on the event. It boasts an impressive 3,000 lightbulbs, 350 doors, and a plethora of concession stands for event attendees.
The SNHU Arena has hosted a variety of notable artists, teams, and speakers. The Boston Celtics frequent the arena during their preseason, offering local fans the chance to see their team in action. Several notable politicians have delivered victory and campaign speeches inside the venue’s walls. Legendary bands like Journey, Toto, Phish, and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra have given some of their most renowned performances on Manchester’s biggest stage.
When planning a trip to Manchester, visiting the SNHU Arena’s website and finding upcoming events is exceedingly worth it. Who knows? Your favorite artist, comedian, or sports team might just be visiting the arena, too.
