Allen Arena

infobox stadium
name = Allen Arena
nickname = The Arena


fullname =
location = One University Park Drive
Nashville, Tennessee, United States
coordinates =
broke_ground =
built =
opened = October 28, 2001
renovated =
expanded =
closed =
demolished =
owner = Lipscomb University
operator = Lipscomb University
surface = Hardwood court
construction_cost = $16.5 million
architect = Tuck-Hinton Architects
structural engineer =
services engineer =
general_contractor =
project_manager =
main_contractors =
former_names =
tenants = Lipscomb Bisons, Lady Bisons Volleyball
capacity = 5,028
dimensions =
scoreboard =

Allen Arena is an indoor arena at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee. The arena was named in honor of James C. and Linda Allen, the facility's primary benefactors. James Allen is a member of the board of trustees for the university and worked for the university at one time. The arena is primarily used for basketball and volleyball athletic events and is also used for daily chapel services and occasional concerts.

Facilities

Other than hosting athletic events and on campus convocations, the arena hosts many events such as dinners, concerts, area-wide worship services, and graduations (the university and Nashville surrounding high schools). The facility has been host to events such as the annual Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation Concert, bringing entertainers such as former Vibe host Sinbad, Bill Cosby, Dana Carvey, and Jay Leno.

Besides being the home of Lipscomb sports teams, it served as the home of the now-defunct Nashville franchise, the Nashville Rhythm, in the revived American Basketball Association.

History

The Allen Arena opened on October 28, 2001, with a local worship service called "In His Hands". The Arena and adjacent parking garage was the site for the school's old McQuiddy Gymnasium. Part of the McQuiddy Gym was retained along with the adjacent Student Activities Center (SAC). Yearwood Hall, a women's dormitory, was torn down for construction of the arena.

In the first Lipscomb Bisons home game at Allen Arena, Bison Clayton Osborne made a 65-foot shot from three-quarters of the court away. With no time remaining, the ball fell through the net, giving the Bisons a 75-74 victory over the North Texas Eagles.

The arena hosted the 2008 Atlantic Sun Conference men's basketball tournament.

Capacity

Arena seating capacity is between 4,000 and 5,000 depending upon the purpose for which it is being used, and is officially given as 5,028, which is the capacity in the format typically utilized.