Operator SMG Surface Multi-surface Capacity 16,182 | Executive suites 40 Broke ground May 8, 2001 Phone +1 559-347-3401 | |
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Location 2650 East Shaw Avenue
Fresno, California 93710 Owner California State University, Fresno Association, Inc. Address California State University, Fresno, 2650 E Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA 93710, USA Similar SAP Center, Selland Arena, Wells Fargo Arena, Pepsi Center, BOK Center Profiles | ||
Connor with bulldog beat fresno state save mart center
Save Mart Center at Fresno State is a multi-purpose arena, on the campus of the California State University, Fresno, located in Fresno, California. An open house was held for community on November 5, 2003, with the official ribbon cutting following on November 27, 2003.
Contents
- Connor with bulldog beat fresno state save mart center
- Monster jam at save mart center
- Construction
- Telecommunications
- Facilities
- Concerts
- Sports events
- References
It is home to the Fresno State Bulldogs basketball team and formerly the Fresno Falcons ice hockey team for their first five seasons in the ECHL (2003–08); prior to the opening of the building, they played at Selland Arena.
It is also a concert destination, with its first performance featuring opera tenor Andrea Bocelli.
Financing for the project was provided through revenue, from corporate sponsorships, private gifts, leasing of luxury suites, sale of club seating and personal seat licenses, as well as revenue from advertising and signage agreements.
Monster jam at save mart center
Construction
Telecommunications
Facilities
Save Mart Center encompasses approximately 40,000 m² (430,000 ft²) on three primary levels; an event level and two concourses, plus a club level mezzanine. The facility includes 32 revenue-generating suites and eight party suites, located on the main concourse level. Seating capacities are approximately 15,596 for basketball, 14,224 for hockey, 8,000 for half-house concerts, 15,500 for end-stage concerts, and 18,000 for center-stage concerts.
The arena's main exterior landmark is the 37 m (93 ft) Larry A. Shehadey Clock Tower. 13 stories in-all, it was named for the founder of Producers Dairy Foods, a Fresno-based dairy company, who donated US$3 million towards construction. The lobby at the arena's southeast entrance is named after Shehadey’s late wife, Elayne Shehadey.
The majority of the funding for the facility came from two sources. Save Mart Supermarkets paid US$40 million for 20 years naming rights, and the Pepsi Bottling Group paid a similar sum for exclusive, indefinite beverage dispensing rights. Total construction costs exceeded US$100 million and when completed, represented the largest privately funded complex of any university in the United States.
The Bulldog Foundation donated money for the following amenities at Save Mart Center:
Concerts
Several major entertainers have performed at the venue including AC/DC, The Rolling Stones, Eagles, Paul McCartney, The Who, Billy Joel, Madonna, Prince, Beyoncé, Jonas Brothers, Maná, Metallica, Miley Cyrus, Drake, Bruno Mars, Hannah Montana, Britney Spears, Shania Twain, Justin Timberlake, Taylor Swift, Kelly Clarkson, Chris Brown, Gwen Stefani, Miranda Lambert, Jordin Sparks, Justin Bieber, Jay Z, Florida Georgia Line, Bon Jovi, Andrea Bocelli, Ariana Grande, Garth Brooks and many others. The arena has also played host to music festivals, including The Winter Jam Tour, The Road Show Tour, The Vans Warped Tour and The Mayhem Festival.
Sports events
Officials from the Fresno Falcons of the West Coast Hockey League announced on March 18, 2002, that the Falcons would make Save Mart Center at Fresno State their home ice beginning with the 2003 season. The Western Athletic Conference men's basketball tournament was held at the center in 2004, as well as WWE's Royal Rumble 2005 and WWE Live Events, including ECW/SmackDown 6/30/09 where 3 superstars made their debut, including multiple time WWE Champion, Sheamus. Also, on Feb 17th, 2004, a SmackDown show featuring a newly crowned WWE Champion Eddie Guerrero, had his celebration ceremony at Save Mart Center, and was featured on WWE DVD "Legendary Moments".
The first athletic event held at Save Mart Center took place when the Rainbow Wahine of Hawaii took on the Fresno State Bulldogs in women's NCAA volleyball in October 2003.
Save Mart Center's first arena football game was held on July 19, 2008. The Central Valley Coyotes defeated the Boise Burn 55-50. Both teams were members of the now defunct af2, the former developmental league for the Arena Football League.
Save Mart Center has hosted five NBA preseason games since the arena has opened. The first game was in 2003-2004 when the Los Angeles Lakers hosted the Sacramento Kings; the Lakers defeated the Kings 105-80. The second was in 2004-2005 with the Sacramento Kings taking on the Phoenix Suns; the Suns defeated the Kings 100-88. The third was in 2005-2006 when the Lakers hosted the Utah Jazz; the Lakers defeated the Jazz 95-85. The Los Angeles Lakers hosted another game in the 2008 preseason against the Los Angeles Clippers, with the Clippers beating the Lakers 107-80. The Los Angeles Lakers hosted another game in the 2012 preseason against the Golden State Warriors, with the Warriors beating the Lakers 110-83.
Save Mart Center hosted an NHL preseason game on September 23, 2006. The San Jose Sharks took on the Anaheim Ducks, winning 4-3. Joe Thornton scored the game-winning goal for the Sharks; Anaheim went on to win its first Stanley Cup Championship later that season.
Save Mart Center hosted the Strikeforce: Tank vs. Buentello mixed martial arts (MMA) event on October 6, 2006. It hosted the inaugural ShoMMA on May 15, 2009.
Since 2004, the arena is a stop for PBR's Built Ford Tough Series for the Table Mountain Casino Invitational.
In March 2012, the Save Mart Center hosted the West Regional of the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Tournament. The Stanford Cardinal won the regional and advanced to the 2012 NCAA Women's Final Four.