Welcome to America First Event Center, a versatile on-campus arena at Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah. Opened in 1985 and renamed in 2017 under a naming-rights agreement with America First Credit Union, the venue seats 5,300 fans for a wide range of events—from Thunderbirds basketball and volleyball to concerts and community gatherings. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast or planning an event night, we’ve got you covered with practical details to help you secure your seats with ease.

Located at 351 W University Blvd, the arena is part of a vibrant university campus that hosts the Utah Summer Games and has welcomed notable activities like NBA Utah Jazz fall training camps. Check the official SUU Athletics seating maps for exact arrangements before you go, and plan your trip with reliable parking, transit options, and nearby hotel and dining recommendations.

Parking and access: The America First Event Center offers free on-site parking with a designated event lot. If the main lot fills up, there is overflow parking in adjacent SUU lots. For a smooth arrival, arrive early and follow on-site signage to avoid delays.

Transit: Cedar Area Transportation (CATS) provides public transit service around Cedar City. Visit the official CATS site for directions and campus routes to the venue. If you’re driving from out of town, we recommend allowing extra time for campus access and parking during peak event times.

Nearby hotels and dining: A variety of lodging and dining options are just a short drive away, making it easy to plan a full evening. Affiliate partner recommendations include:

Hampton Inn & Suites Cedar City — convenient location with comfortable rooms and breakfast options.
Courtyard by Marriott Cedar City — modern rooms, on-site dining, and proximity to campus events.
Best Western Town & Country Inn — reliable value and amenities for travelers.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Cedar City — spacious suites ideal for groups or families.
Abbey Inn Cedar City — friendly service and convenient access to area attractions.

When you’re ready to eat, there are several nearby choices ranging from casual to family-friendly options. We’ve highlighted recommended spots from our trusted partners to help you choose quickly so you can focus on the game or show.

Seating and accessibility: The official seating maps for the America First Event Center are available through the Southern Utah University Athletics site. The arena supports a variety of configurations for basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, and events. If you’ve got accessibility needs or specific seating requests, we can help you secure appropriate seating and accommodate your group.

About the venue: This on-campus multi-purpose arena serves as a home for the Southern Utah Thunderbirds’ men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, and gymnastics programs. It’s a venue with a history of hosting major regional events, including the Utah Summer Games, and occasionally serves as a site for NBA-style training camps during the off-season.

Good to know

Seating, Parking & Venue Information

Capacity: 5,300 seats.
Location/address: 351 W University Blvd, Cedar City, UT 84720.
Venue type: on-campus multi-purpose arena (sports, concerts, events).
Opened: 1985; renamed America First Event Center in 2017 under a naming-rights deal with America First Credit Union.
Home teams: Southern Utah Thunderbirds men's basketball, women's basketball, volleyball, and gymnastics.
Notable events: hosts the Utah Summer Games; has housed NBA Utah Jazz fall training camp on multiple occasions.
Seating chart: official seating maps available on the Southern Utah University Athletics site.
Parking: free on-site parking with a designated event lot; overflow parking in adjacent SUU lots.
Transit: Cedar Area Transportation (CATS) provides Cedar City public transit; directions and campus routes available on official sites.
Nearby hotels: multiple options within a short drive (e.g., Hampton Inn & Suites, Courtyard by Marriott, Best Western Town & Country Inn, SpringHill Suites, Abbey Inn).