Location and Ownership
The arena is situated in downtown Clarksville, Tennessee, within Montgomery County. It is owned by Montgomery County, Tennessee, and operated by Ford Ice Center Clarksville, a division of the Nashville Predators organization, which also manages Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.History and Development
Plans for a modern multi-purpose arena in Clarksville gained momentum in the late 2010s. The primary goals were to replace the aging Winfield Dunn Center as the home court for Austin Peay State University's basketball programs and to attract a wider array of entertainment events to the city. Groundbreaking for the facility occurred on February 20, 2022, following significant local investment and planning.The F&M Bank Arena officially opened its doors in July 2023. Its development was envisioned as a significant economic driver for downtown Clarksville, aiming to foster local tourism and business growth by providing a state-of-the-art venue for sports and entertainment.
Facilities and Capacity
F&M Bank Arena features a flexible seating capacity, accommodating approximately 5,500 spectators for basketball games and up to 6,000 for concerts and other performance-based events. The facility includes:- A main event bowl for sports and concerts, configurable for various layouts.
- Club seats and private suites.
- Modern concessions and retail spaces.
- A dedicated community ice rink, distinct from the main arena's ice sheet, which is open to the public for recreational skating, youth hockey leagues, and other ice-related activities.
Tenants and Events
The primary tenants of the F&M Bank Arena include:- Austin Peay Governors (NCAA Division I men's and women's basketball teams)
- Clarksville Admirals (Federal Prospects Hockey League – FPHL team)
Beyond its anchor tenants, the arena hosts a diverse calendar of events, which includes:
- Major concerts and touring musical acts.
- Family shows, circuses, and theatrical performances.
- High school sporting events and tournaments.
- Community gatherings, conventions, and trade shows.
Sponsorship
The arena's naming rights were acquired by F&M Bank, a local financial institution with a strong and historic presence in the Clarksville and surrounding Middle Tennessee area. This sponsorship agreement is part of a public-private partnership that supports the arena's operations and maintenance, reflecting local collaboration between government, educational institutions, and private enterprise.See Also
- Austin Peay State University
- Clarksville, Tennessee
- Bridgestone Arena
References
- [Official F&M Bank Arena Website]
- [Austin Peay State University Athletics Official Site]
- [News archives related to the arena's construction and opening in local media]