Qwest Arena, Boise, Idaho

Qwest is primarily a company of the north east providing telephone, internet, and television to residents. In 1997 the company lent its name to an arena in Boise Idaho. The Qwest Arena was first known as the Bank of America Center. It can hold 5,300 people for hockey and 5,732 people for end stage concerts. Center stage concerts will hold the most people at 6,800. There are 4,508 permanent seats, but with center stage seating they place folding chairs on the floor to increase the amount of seats. The Qwest Arena was built with $50 million, making it one of the smaller arenas in the United States.

The Qwest Arena is home to the Idaho Steelheads ECHL hockey team. It is also the home for the Stampede D- League Basketball team and the Boise Burn Arena Football Team. Among the seats are 39 corporate suites with 1,100 club premiere seats. The Zone restaurant is the local sit down site for individuals wishing a good meal during the game. Blimpie has a franchise providing nine concession stands. There are also other concessions like popcorn, pizza, beer, and hot dogs available at the stadium. Emilio's is another on site restaurant for fine dining before and after an event. Pizza Hut provides the pizza for the fans.

Qwest Arena is connected to the Grove Hotel in downtown Boise. Many refer to the area as Grove Plaza because of this connection. The hotel often supplies 36,000 square feet of meeting and convention space for events that extend into the arena like trade shows. Typically each year the Qwest Arena hosts the Monster Truck Event as well as NBA and hockey games with the local teams.

Besides conventions, ice shows and concerts are held at the Qwest Arena. A few events to come to the arena include Skillet with Hawk Nelson, the Steeleheads against the Utah Grizzlies, Victoria Salmon Kings, and Reno Bighorns. Sara Evans will be holding a concert at the Qwest Arena for 2009 in the winter. Much of the events hosted at the arena will be the Steelheads against various United States and Canadian Teams. Alaska even has their team the Alaska Aces slotted for a game at the Qwest Arena.

It is possible to purchase tickets online or at the arena. For the best seats it is usually wise to book tickets in advance with the online service. With the Qwest Arena being downtown there are several parking places around the facility. They will range in cost depending on the event and the duration. There are a number of parking garages. There is also parking on the street, with the first 20 minutes free. Private parking is often available for a small price during the events.

The arena has a few policies one must follow. For example children 2 and under do not need a ticket to hockey games; however, other events may differ. They also do not allow patrons to exit and then re-enter even with an event ticket stub.