Erie Insurance Arena Seating Capacity: A Comprehensive Guide

The Erie Insurance Arena is a multi-purpose indoor arena located in Erie, Pennsylvania. With a rich history dating back to its opening in 1983, the arena has undergone expansions and renovations over the years to increase its seating capacity and improve the fan experience. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the Erie Insurance Arena’s seating capacity for various events.

Overview of the Erie Insurance Arena

• Originally opened in June 1983 as the Erie Civic Center.
• Renamed as the Louis J. Tullio Arena in 2008 and then as the Erie Insurance Arena in 2012.
• Home to the Erie Otters hockey team of the Ontario Hockey League.
• Former home of the Erie BayHawks basketball team.
• Hosts entertainment events like concerts, family shows, graduations, and community events.
• Managed by the Erie County Convention Center Authority.
• Underwent a $47 million renovation and expansion from 2011-2013.

Seating Capacity

The Erie Insurance Arena has a flexible seating capacity that can accommodate different types of events:

• Hockey games: 6,716 seats
• Indoor football games: 6,562 seats
• Basketball games: 6,982 seats
• Concerts: Approx. 9,360 seats

The seating capacity varies as the arena can reconfigure seating arrangements and use standing room areas as needed.

Hockey Game Seating

The Erie Otters hockey team has called the Erie Insurance Arena home since 1996. The seating capacity for hockey games at the arena is 6,716.

The seating options include:

• Lower bowl seats
• Club seats
• Luxury suites
• Standing room areas

The lower bowl makes up the majority of the seating and spans from rinkside up to the club level. These seats are arranged in sections 101 to 123 and offer great sightlines of the ice.

The club seats are part of the arena’s 2013 renovation. These seats are wider, have more legroom, and come with access to the exclusive club lounge.

There are 20 luxury suites located on the east and west sides of the arena. Suites accommodate from 10 to 30 guests and come with premium amenities.

Standing room areas with bar rails are available behind the lower and club seating sections. Fans can stand and cheer for the Otters without an assigned seat.

Indoor Football Seating

The Erie Insurance Arena used to host indoor football teams like the Erie Invaders, Erie Freeze, and Erie Explosion. The typical seating capacity for indoor football was around 6,562 seats.

The end zone areas would have reduced seating since football fields are bigger than hockey rinks. Sideline seats close to the 50-yard line were premium spots for football games.

Basketball Game Seating

When the Erie BayHawks basketball team played at the arena from 2008-2019, the seating capacity for games was approximately 6,982 seats.

The court was placed lengthwise across the arena floor which allowed more sideline seating around the basketball court. Baseline seats behind the hoops provided great views of the action.

Courtside seats and club seats were popular options for basketball games given their proximity to the court. Luxury suites also enabled premium viewing for basketball contests.

Concert Seating

As one of Erie’s premier music venues, the Erie Insurance Arena can accommodate 9,360 seats for concerts. This allows major touring acts to perform at the arena.

The vast floor area is general admission standing room for most concerts. Fans can get close to the stage or find room to dance and cheer for their favorite acts.

Lower bowl and club seats are typically retracted or covered up to make room for the GA floor. Some concerts may make seats available for a reserved seated option.

The arena offers excellent sightlines so even elevated seats have good views of the concert stage. Luxury suites also provide a unique vantage point and amenities for concert events.

Accessible Seating

The Erie Insurance Arena provides accessible seating options for guests with disabilities, including:

• Wheelchair accessible seating: Spaces for wheelchairs are located around the arena at various price points.
• Companion seats: Adjacent seats are available so companions can sit with wheelchair users.
• Assistive listening devices: Headsets are available to amplify sound.
• Closed captioning: Display screens provide closed captioning.
• Accessible parking: Reserved parking spots are close to arena entrances.
• Accessible restrooms: Restrooms have accessible stalls and features.

Guests needing accessible seating can purchase tickets and make arrangements by contacting the arena’s box office.

History of Expanding Seating Capacity

The Erie Insurance Arena has increased its seating capacity over the years through expansions and renovations:

• Originally opened in 1983 with a capacity of 5,000 seats.
• An expansion in the 1990s grew the seating to 6,500.
• The 2013 major renovation expanded seating to 6,716 for hockey and 6,982 for basketball.
• Further enhancements grew concert capacity to 9,360.

Continued upgrades have enabled the venue to host popular major league sports teams and world-famous concerts. The seating capacity can flexibly accommodate hockey, football, basketball, and concert events.

Future Expansion Plans

While there are currently no major expansion plans, the Erie Insurance Arena’s seating capacity may continue to grow incrementally over time. Any future renovations could potentially:

• Add more lower bowl seating by reshaping rows and reducing aisle depth.
• Install new seats in current standing room only spaces.
• Reconfigure suites to add seats or build new suites.
• Expand the footprint with vertical additions or extensions.

With strong community support and demand for events, increased seating capacity will help the Erie Insurance Arena continue serving as a top entertainment venue for years to come.

Buying Tickets

There are a few options to purchase tickets to events at the Erie Insurance Arena:

• The arena box office located at 809 French Street in downtown Erie.
• By phone at (814) 452-4857
• Online at the Erie Insurance Arena’s official website
• Through pre-sale offers and ticket promotions

Tickets are competitively priced and there are options at different price points. Act soon when tickets go on sale as popular games and concerts can sell out quickly given the arena’s capacity constraints.

Experience Premium Seating

To elevate your experience, consider indulging in the Erie Insurance Arena’s premium seating options:

Club Seats: Wider seats with legroom, lounge access, specialty concessions
Luxury Suites: Private hospitality areas for groups with food/drinks
VIP Packages: Meet-and-greet, exclusive merch, parties

Premium seats allow you to enjoy events with top-notch amenities and service. Suites and VIP packages are great for making memories with family, friends, clients, or co-workers.

Conclusion

Thanks to strategic expansions over the years, the Erie Insurance Arena can accommodate crowds of over 9,000 for high-energy concerts and retains an intimate setting for hockey and basketball games. Understanding the venue’s seating arrangements and capacity for different events enables you to get great tickets to see your favorite music acts or cheer on the Otters and BayHawks. With premium amenities continuing to be added, the arena remains a first-class entertainment destination in northwest Pennsylvania.