Ford Center

The Ford Center, an exciting, multipurpose 11,000 seat arena, serves as the region’s center for sports and entertainment. The design took into consideration the local citizens’ forward-thinking nature and represented this with sweeping curved forms. The use of native Indiana limestone at the arena's base respects the historical context of Evansville's civic buildings. The focused use of glass is intended to give frequent views both out of and into the building and to become a beacon at night for the city and its development. Always practicing responsible stewardship, Hafer coordinated the location of building infrastructure and utilities to anticipate the future above grade connections to the existing convention center and proposed hotel.

The facility is home to the NCAA Division I University of Evansville Aces Men’s and Women’s Basketball and the Southern Professional Hockey League Evansville Thunderbolts. The arena floor was designed for flexibility and can be modified for basketball, hockey, concerts, conventions, rodeos, expos and other events.

This new venue served as a catalyst for continued urban core revitalization in downtown Evansville. Restaurants, shops and other businesses began to pop up around the arena and the effect still continues today.

*Designed in association with Populous.