Bank of Springfield Center
Template:Short description Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".Template:Main other The Bank of Springfield Center (originally the Prairie Capital Convention Center) is a 7,700-seat multi-purpose arena located in Springfield, Illinois.[1]
The facility is adaptable to host a variety of events, including large concerts, theatrical performances, trade shows, sporting events, and school graduation ceremonies, as well as smaller gatherings such as professional training meetings, weddings and banquets.
The facility contains Template:Convert of column-free space in the main hall and Template:Convert of meeting room space in the lower level. It connects, via a tunnel, to the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel.
History
It was built in 1978 and is operated by the Springfield Metropolitan Exposition and Auditorium Authority (SMEAA).
The arena hosts local concerts and sporting events for the area and is the former home of the Illinois Express of the World Basketball League and the Springfield Stallions indoor football team.
Prairie Capital Convention Center underwent a renovation between 2011–2014 to modernize its facilities and expand the types of events it can accommodate. This transformation included extensive expansion of the lobby by Template:Convert, the addition of the outdoor BOS Plaza, additional concessions areas, an upper-level patio terrace, and two upper-level terrace areas.[2]
In November 2015, the arena hosted the Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball team for five games while renovations to the State Farm Center were completed.[3] College wrestling tournaments have also been held at the convention center.
Also in November 2015, Donald Trump held a rally in the Prairie Capital Convention Center for 10,000 supporters.[4]
On June 5, 2017, the SMEAA announced that it approved an agreement to sell the naming rights for the facility to the Bank of Springfield for ten years.[5]
In January 2021, the Illinois House of Representatives convened in the arena rather than the State Capitol in order to maintain social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.[6]
See also
References
External links
Template:Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball navbox Template:Music venues of Illinois Template:Authority control
- Pages with script errors
- Buildings and structures in Springfield, Illinois
- Convention centers in Illinois
- College basketball venues in Illinois
- Illinois Fighting Illini basketball
- Illinois Fighting Illini sports venues
- Indoor arenas in Illinois
- Sports venues in Springfield, Illinois
- Tourist attractions in Springfield, Illinois
- Wrestling venues in Illinois
- Event venues established in 1978
- Sports venues completed in 1978
- 1978 establishments in Illinois