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American University Tickets

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Bender Arena Venue Guide, Se

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The venue

About American University

Welcome to the Bender Arena at American University, a versatile on-campus venue in Washington, DC. With a capacity of up to 6,000 for concerts and 4,500 for basketball/volleyball, it serves as a premier site for university events, high-profile speakers, and major touring acts. We’ll help you secure your seats, navigate parking, and find trusted nearby hotels and dining options so your visit is smooth from start to finish.

Located at 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, this on-campus, multi-purpose arena sits within the American University Sports Center and offers practical seating configurations for different events, reliable transit access, and convenient on-site parking.

Whether you’re attending a Patriot League game, a concert, or a commencement, you’ll find a straightforward path to tickets, parking, and nearby amenities. We’ve highlighted official transit options, on-site parking details, and partner hotel and restaurant recommendations to help you plan a stress-free trip to Washington, DC.

Parking and access are designed to be user-friendly for fans, students, and visitors alike. If you’re looking for a reliable way to get there, consider the WMATA Red Line’s Tenleytown-AU station with an AU shuttle to campus. When you’re ready to eat or stay nearby, our affiliate partners offer convenient options that keep you close to the action.

Good to know

Seating, Parking & Venue Information

  • Capacity: 4,500 for basketball/volleyball; up to 6,000 for concerts.
  • Address: 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016.
  • Venue type: On-campus multi-purpose arena within the American University Sports Center.
  • Seating chart: Basketball—sections 116, 117, 118, 119; Volleyball/Wrestling—sections 101, 102, 103; lower bowl ~2,900 seats; mezzanine can add up to ~490 seats.
  • Parking: 470-car garage on-site; parking available on campus; free after 5 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends in the Bender Arena garage.
  • Transit: Access via WMATA Red Line Tenleytown-AU station; AU provides a shuttle from Tenleytown/AU to campus.
  • Nearby hotels: Days Inn at 4400 Connecticut Ave NW; Embassy Suites Chevy Chase Pavilion; Courtyard by Marriott Chevy Chase; Hyatt Regency Bethesda.
  • Notable events hosted: Patriot League men's basketball finals (2002, 2008, 2009); Elton John/World Team Tennis event (2010); concerts by major acts such as Pearl Jam and Phish; university commencements and high-profile speakers.
  • Renamed/demolished: No demolition or renaming reported; venue remains Bender Arena as of 2026.