SNHU Arena
4.4(3.3K)google
2.8(62)yelp
Youth-FriendlyNight-FriendlyIndoorCity LandmarkSportsConcertPerformance
Overview
The SNHU Arena (Southern New Hampshire University Arena) is an indoor events arena in Manchester, New Hampshire, and seats 9,852 for ice hockey, 11,140 for basketball and up to 11,770 for concerts. The facility was originally known during construction as Manchester Civic Center, and this name still appears on most of the directional signs around town. Its naming rights were sold prior to opening in 2001 and was called Verizon Wireless Arena.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration2.5-4 hours
Best TimeMust be visited on major concert or sporting event event nights between October and April. The defining hour is 5:30 PM to arrive early near the gates; early evening darkness allows the stadium's towering glass facade to glow brilliantly against the downtown lights. Combine your trip with dining at adjacent historic mill yard gastropubs.
Getting TherePerfectly positioned in core downtown Manchester at 555 Elm Street. Take I-293 to Exit 5, drive east on Granite Street for a half-mile, and turn left onto Elm Street. The arena framework is highly visible; utilize the high-capacity commercial paid parking garages situated directly across the street or local metered spots.
Travel Tips
- The arena enforces a strict clear bag policy; only clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags under 12x6x12 inches are permitted past entry gates.
- The facility operates as a 100% cashless arena; concession stands, merchandise hubs, and box offices accept digital payments and credit cards only.
- Major sporting events trigger wide traffic checkpoints and one-way grids within a 2-mile perimeter; utilizing Manchester Transit Authority buses is advised.
Reviews
Positive
- The premier multi-purpose stadium in downtown Manchester! Hockey games, rock concerts, and Disney on Ice yield great viewing angles.
- The seating bowl gradient is engineered masterfully; even upper-tier row seats offer unobstructed views with high-definition jumbotrons.
- Security checkpoints and turnstiles are highly plentiful; event security handles crowd control with great efficiency during exit surges.
- Superbly positioned next to downtown strips; steps from the exit lead to endless upscale gastropubs, diners, and major hotels.
Heads up
- Concession stands and draft beers are insanely marked up; basic water bottles or popcorn buckets carry high tourist premiums.
- The arena lacks a private dedicated parking deck; fans must shell out cash for municipal pay garages that clog severely during egress.
- The arena seats are engineered to be tight and compact; legroom is limited, making extended sitting painful for tall attendees.
- The massive immediate exodus after a sold-out show triggers brief but horrific traffic gridlock on all surrounding downtown streets.