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First Community Arena at the Vadalabene Center Tickets
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Upcoming Events at First Community Arena at the Vadalabene Center
Welcome to First Community Arena at the Vadalabene Center, the on-campus multi-purpose indoor arena at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE). With a capacity just over 4,000, this venue hosts SIUE men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, wrestling, commencements, and a variety of community events. Since its renaming in 2019, the arena remains a central hub for regional sports and culture, offering modern premium seating and convenient access for fans from Edwardsville and the greater St. Louis area.
Whether you’re planning a basketball showdown, a wrestling event, or a campus ceremony, we’ve got you covered with easy, no-fuss ticket access and practical, insider information on parking, transportation, and nearby hotels and dining options.
Venue at a glance
- Location: Circle Drive, Edwardsville, IL 62025 (SIUE Campus)
- Venue type: On-campus multi-purpose indoor arena within the Vadalabene Center
- Capacity: Just over 4,000 seats
- Primary uses: SIUE basketball (men’s and women’s), volleyball, wrestling; commencements and events
- Recent naming: First Community Arena at the Vadalabene Center (renamed Aug 2019; 10-year deal through June 30, 2029; potential 2-year extension to 2031)
- Premium seating: The Deck (2024) — VIP seating options
Why this venue stands out
First Community Arena offers an intimate, energetic environment with strong local and regional fan support. The on-campus setting means visitors can combine a game night with a campus stroll, dining, and other SIUE amenities. The venue has hosted notable events including the 1984 U.S. Olympic Festival wrestling events and performances that drew large crowds, validating its role as a versatile community anchor.
Accessibility and parking
On-site parking is available in Lot F, Lot A, and Lot P-12 for events. SIUE provides parking guidance to help you plan your arrival. The arena is served by Madison County Transit (MCT) with campus routes, and SIUE’s ISASS notes additional options including express connections to St. Louis and Metrolink access for longer trips.
Nearby hotels and dining (affiliate-friendly partners)
Sticking to trusted, nearby options helps you secure convenient stays before or after events. Consider these hotels and recommended dining spots within a short drive of the SIUE campus. We’ve highlighted affiliate partner options to help simplify your planning.
- \n Hotels \n \n TownePlace Suites St. Louis Edwardsville — convenient extended-stay option near campus
- Hampton Inn & Suites St. Louis-Edwardsville — reliable brand with comfortable rooms and breakfast
- Holiday Inn Express Edwardsville — practical choice for quick trips and good value
- \n Dining \n \n Local favorites and quick-service options near campus for pre-game meals or post-event gatherings
For the best experience, consider booking through our trusted partner hotels and local eateries to simplify your trip and earn loyalty rewards. We’ve got you covered with easy access and reliable recommendations.
Ticketing and seating information
SIUE’s official seating maps and the arena’s layout are available for basketball and wrestling configurations. Our listing pages provide up-to-date availability for great seats and the section you want where applicable. If an event is rescheduled, we’ll note: RESCHEDULED from its original date.
Event types you can expect
From college basketball and volleyball to wrestling and ceremonies, the venue’s flexible design accommodates a wide range of events. Each event date is treated independently in our listings, so you can easily plan around a single performance without cross-referencing multiple days.
Want insider tips or need help securing seats? Think of us as your reliable connection to the best seats and straightforward ticket purchases. We’ll monitor updates on venue happenings, parking guidance, and the latest partner hotel and dining options so you can focus on enjoying the event. If you’re curious about specific accessibility features or premium amenities like The Deck, we can provide current details and availability for your date.
Good to know
Seating, Parking & Venue Information
- Capacity: just over 4,000 seats (arena within the Vadalabene Center, known as First Community Arena for sponsorship).
- Address: Circle Drive, Edwardsville, IL 62025 (SIUE campus).
- Venue type: on-campus multi-purpose indoor arena used for SIUE men's/women's basketball, volleyball and wrestling; also hosts commencements and other events.
- Seating chart: official seating maps exist (Basketball/Wrestling) via TicketNetwork; SIUE also provides maps/directions and a 360-degree view on its site.
- Parking: convenient on-campus parking in Lot F, Lot A, and Lot P-12 for events; see SIUE parking guidance.
- Transit: served by Madison County Transit (MCT) with campus routes; SIUE ISSS notes additional options including express connections to St. Louis and Metrolink access.
- Nearby hotels: TownePlace Suites St. Louis Edwardsville, Hampton Inn & Suites St. Louis-Edwardsville, Holiday Inn Express Edwardsville (within a short drive of campus).
- Notable events hosted: 1984 U.S. Olympic Festival wrestling events; 2002 Nelly concert; large crowds (e.g., 4,157 in 2012 vs Murray State); SIUE graduations and IHSA/state games have been held there.
- Renaming/naming rights: the arena within the Vadalabene Center was renamed First Community Arena at the Vadalabene Center in Aug 2019 under a 10-year deal through June 30, 2029 (with potential 2-year extension to 2031).
- Premium seating: in 2024 SIUE unveiled 'The Deck' premium area with a VIP section and barstool-style seating.