About the Project

The Ford Center is the result of an active citizenry, government leadership and economic opportunity all coming together in the right way at the right time. For example:

• Recent studies show Evansville is in a good position to attract visitors with greater sports and entertainment facilities.
• Research proved that the aging Roberts Stadium could not be economically renovated to meet today’s standards.
• Budget mechanisms exist to keep the project from adding to the local general property tax burden.
• A citizen advisory board studied the issues and the recommendations and endorsed the construction of a new arena downtown.

The site for the Ford Center is bounded by Main St., Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Sixth St. and Chestnut St., adjacent to the Evansville Auditorium and Convention Centre. There’s plenty of parking within a short walk of the site.

Demolition for the project began in October 2009 and construction was completed in September 2011. See Background and Timeline for more details and check out Photos to see the construction progress.

The brick-and-mortar specifications were clear: a 290,000 sq. ft. facility with an eye-catching design and modern amenities. The Ford Center is the home of the University of Evansville basketball teams, professional hockey and major shows, exhibitions, concerts, and other events. Spectators can choose from up to 11,000 seats, depending on the event.

The Ford Center features a public bar, club lounge, restaurant, hospitality room, media facilities, many concession sales areas, ample restrooms, and more. The facility includes many environmentally sustainable elements and provides full access to those with physical disabilities. See Plans and Designs for more details.

The project cost is $127.5 million to design and construct. A mixture of cash and long-term debt will pay the bill. General property taxes WILL NOT be used for this project, and NO taxes will be increased! See Financing for more details.

Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel – who launched the economic and design studies and formed the Roberts Stadium Advisory Board and its successor, the Evansville Arena Project Committee – headed the project team that made the Ford Center a reality. The project operates under the control of the Evansville Redevelopment Commission. Project director was John J. Kish, construction manager was Hunt Construction Group and principal designer was Populous.