Welcome to Santander Arena, a staple in Reading, Pennsylvania for concerts, ice hockey, basketball, and big family shows. Located at 700 Penn Street, this versatile venue has hosted major performers and events since opening in 2001 (originally the Sovereign Center) and was renamed Santander Arena in 2013. Whether you’re catching the Reading Royals in an intimate hockey setting or enjoying a blockbuster concert, we’ve got you covered with practical details to help you secure your seats with ease.

Below you’ll find seating configurations, parking guidance, transit options, and hand-picked affiliate partner recommendations for nearby hotels and dining to enhance your visit to Reading’s signature venue.

Santander Arena sits on the historic site that once housed the Astor Theater and continues to be a central hub for events in downtown Reading. With a capacity that adapts to the show—roughly 8,800 for concerts, about 7,200 for ice hockey, around 8,000 for basketball, and 1,752 for the adjacent performing arts center configuration—the arena offers flexible spaces for a wide range of performances. For tickets, parking, and local hospitality, think of us as your insider connection in town—ready to help you secure your seats and plan a smooth visit.

Address: 700 Penn Street, Reading, PA 19602
Parking: Event parking is available in Reading Parking Authority garages and lots with gateless entry. Pay within 15 minutes via ParkMobile or text2Park.
Transit: Served by BARTA buses from the BARTA Transportation Center, connecting downtown Reading and the arena district.
Nearby hotels: Downtown options include DoubleTree by Hilton Reading and Courtyard by Marriott Reading, with over 800 hotel rooms in the area for short trips or multi-day stays.
Affiliates and dining: We’ll point you to trusted partner hotels and nearby restaurants to fuel your night before or after the show.
Notable events: Home to the Reading Royals (ECHL) with a long history of major concerts and family shows, hosting acts like Elton John, Slipknot, Disney on Ice, and more.

Tip: Check the event date and configuration—some performances may be very different in seating or stage layout. If you’re planning a trip, reach out and we’ll help you navigate your options and lock in the best seats at a fair price.

Good to know

Seating, Parking & Venue Information

Address: 700 Penn Street, Reading, PA 19602.
Venue type: multi-purpose arena operated by ASM Global and owned by the Berks County Convention Center Authority.
Capacity (typical configurations): up to about 8,800 for concerts; around 7,200 for ice hockey; about 8,000 for basketball; 1,752 for the adjacent performing arts center configuration.
Opened September 2001 as Sovereign Center; renamed Santander Arena on October 13, 2013.
Parking: event parking via Reading Parking Authority garages/lots; gateless entry; payment within 15 minutes via ParkMobile or text2park.
Transit: served by BARTA buses from the BARTA Transportation Center.
Nearby hotels: downtown options such as DoubleTree by Hilton Reading and Courtyard by Marriott Reading; over 800 hotel rooms in the area.
Notable events: home of the Reading Royals (ECHL) and a history of major concerts and family shows; has hosted acts like Elton John, Slipknot, Disney on Ice, and many others.
Demolition/renaming history: the arena sits on the site of the former Astor Theater (demolished); Sovereign Center was renamed Santander Arena in 2013.