Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center

The Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center is a 5,280-seat (8,200 for concerts) multi-purpose arena in Mankato, Minnesota, built in 1994[2] and opened in early 1995. It is home to the Minnesota State Mavericks men's ice hockey team and also hosts musical performances, conventions and other events. Prior to its construction, the team played their home games at All Seasons Arena, which is now their main practice facility.

"Verizon Wireless Center" redirects here. It is not to be confused with Capital One Arena, SNHU Arena, or Verizon Arena.
Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center
Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center
Location in Minnesota
Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center
Location in the United States
Former namesMankato Civic Center (1995–1999, 2019)
Midwest Wireless Civic Center (1999–2007)
Alltel Center (2007–2009)
Verizon Wireless Center (2009–2017)
Verizon Center (2017–2019)
Location1 Civic Center Plaza
Mankato, Minnesota 56001
Coordinates44°09′58″N 94°00′17″W
OwnerCity of Mankato
OperatorCity of Mankato
Capacity5,280 (ice hockey)
8,200 (concerts)
Surface200' x 90' (hockey)[1]
OpenedFebruary 3, 1995
Tenants
Minnesota State Mavericks (NCAA) (1995–present)
Minnesota Purple Rage (IFL) (2000)

Until April 1, 2019, the arena's naming sponsor was Verizon Communications, one of America's major telecommunications companies.

Inside the Verizon Center Ice Arena before a NCAA Division 1 Hockey Game between the Minnesota State Mavericks and the Michigan Tech Huskies men's teams
The Verizon Center inside before a hockey game event

History

In the 1992 general election, Mankato voters approved a 0.5% tax increment to support downtown renovations, including construction of a new sports arena.[3] Construction began in 1994,[2] and the facility opened as the Mankato Civic Center in 1995 with a men's hockey event on February 3.[4][5] The south side of the complex incorporates the restored exterior of the First National Bank of Mankato, a 1913 Prairie School building.

In 1999, locally headquartered phone company Midwest Wireless purchased the naming rights, changing the venue's name to the Midwest Wireless Civic Center.[6]

In July 2007, the facility's name changed to the Alltel Center following Alltel's acquisition of Midwest Wireless.[7] Alltel paid $110,000 per year for naming rights.[6][8]

In 2009, the name changed again, this time to the Verizon Wireless Center, after Alltel was acquired by Verizon Wireless.[6]

In 2015, an expansion of the facility began with the purchase and demolition of the adjacent US Bank building. Construction was completed the following year, and the additional space with room for up to 2,000 more people opened on September 1, 2016.[9][10] The name of the new facility was originally intended to be the Event Center, but prior to opening the City of Mankato decided to call it the Performing Arts Center instead to better reflect the anticipated usage primarily for musical and theatrical events.[11]

In 2017, Verizon dropped "Wireless" from the name and the facility became simply the Verizon Center.[12] The Performing Arts Center was also renamed the Grand Hall later in the year.

In March 2019, it was announced that Verizon would not be renewing its naming rights agreement. On April 1, 2019, the facility's name reverted to Mankato Civic Center, and remained so through the end of the year.[13][14]

On December 30, 2019, the City of Mankato announced a new naming rights agreement with Mayo Clinic Health Systems effective January 1, 2020.[15]

Events

Primarily, the Center hosts hockey games, concerts and conventions.

Notable past artists and events include Aerosmith, Disney Live, Elton John, James Taylor, Jeff Dunham, John Mellencamp, Kenny Rogers, KISS, Monster Jam, Tom Petty and WWE Live.[16]

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References
  1. Fredericks, Shane (31 August 2013). "Changes taking shape at Verizon Center hockey rink". Mankato Free Press. Retrieved 20 March 2019.
  2. Fischenich, Mark (23 Feb 2012). "Mankato group plugs civic center funding in Legislature". Mankato Free Press. Retrieved 21 March 2019.
  3. City of West St. Paul (23 April 2018). "Local Sales Taxes in Minnesota". p. 15. Retrieved 21 March 2019.
  4. Weber, Tom (2 February 1995). "Civic center puts Mankato on entertainment map". Post-Bulletin. Retrieved 21 March 2019.
  5. "Significant Dates in Minnesota State Men's Hockey History". Minnesota State University - Mankato Athletics. Retrieved 21 March 2019.
  6. "Alltel Center to get name change". Mankato Free Press. 24 July 2009. Retrieved 4 August 2011.
  7. Alltel Press Release. Alltel. 10 July 2007. Accessed 10 July 2007. Archived 12 September 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  8. Linehan, Dan (25 June 2007). "Civic center to be Alltel Center". Mankato Free Press. Retrieved 20 March 2019.
  9. Fischenich, Mark (29 July 2016). "Event/Performing Arts Center grand opening set". Mankato Free Press. Retrieved 21 March 2019.
  10. Verizon Center. "Facilities". www.VerizonCenterMN.com. Retrieved 21 March 2019.
  11. Fischenich, Mark (27 August 2016). "Performing Arts Center took a drama-filled path". Mankato Free Press. Retrieved 21 March 2019.
  12. "Out with the old... In with the new. We're changing our logo & dropping the 'wireless'!". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  13. Fischenich, Mark (16 March 2019). "Dumped by Verizon, Mankato civic center may have other naming-rights suitors". Mankato Free Press. Retrieved 20 March 2019.
  14. Barchenger, Kelsey. "Naming Rights Agreement Between City Of Mankato, Verizon Center Expires". KEYC. KEYC. Retrieved 2 April 2019.
  15. "News | Mankato, MN". www.mankatomn.gov.
  16. Dyslin, Amanda (28 August 2007). "Mellencamp to play Alltel". Mankato Free Press. Retrieved 20 March 2019.
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