Your Arena Tour Begins Here

The Spokane Arena is much like most public facilities, but for those who are not experienced at navigating the building, following are some tips:

Parking at the Arena is $3, and the lot on the north side of the Arena fills up quickly. The best bet to get in that lot is by entering from Boone Ave. Those coming south on Howard may be directed into the lot between Howard and Washington. Even though the Arena is nearly surrounded with a parking lot, parking can become a problem, especially at sold-out events.

Many businesses within walking distance of the Arena have lots, but be forewarned: Most have signs posted warning they will have cars towed. Here’s a heads-up: If the business is open, don’t park your car in the lot. If it’s after business hours and you see other hockey fans parking in the lot (especially if they are wearing Chiefs apparel), you can assume they’ve done this before and know what they are doing.

Otherwise, find a spot on one of the side streets, which often are plentiful east of Washington.

All the ticket and will-call windows are at the northeast corner of the Arena, as is the only entrance to the building. Spectators can exit at a couple of doors on the north side of the Arena, through the main entrance, and down the wide stairs to the southeast corner.

The Guest Services office is just to your left as you enter the Arena, should you need information about the Arena, or if you need to report a lost child. The first-aid station is adjacent to Guest Services.

Restrooms are plentiful, so line-ups are rare. There are changing tables in the restrooms; there are also family bathrooms, labeled as such. These are for adults with small children, and sometimes lines form. So unless you have a small child, use the regular restrooms or you’ll risk drawing the wrath of a parent with a small child who “really has to go now.”

Cash is not a problem for those who have an ATM card. There’s an ATM just to your right as you enter the Arena.

The food courts are located at the center of the north and south hallways but the offerings do vary. Mexican fare is available in the north food court; the main pizza booth is in the south food court. And those seeking drip coffee or tea won’t find it at the northside espresso bar; it is available, though on the southside. Lattes and Italian sodas are available at either.

Overhead video monitors in the food courts will help you keep track of the action.

Those sitting in the top four rows of the lower section (tickets numbered in the 100s) will be waited upon - a server will take orders for food or beverage, wait in line at the concession stands and bring it back. If you are not sitting in one of those rows, the server will not take your order.

A section leader will be posted at the top of each stairway in the lower section and at the bottom of the stairs in the upper deck. Spectators returning to their seats will be stopped by the section leaders during the action so those in the seats can watch the game without having others walk in front of them. When the whistle blows, spectators will be allowed to return to their seats. Section leaders will also deal with unruly fans.

Those spectators needing handicapped seating should contact the Spokane Chiefs office to make arrangements.

The office will be open from 8 a.m. through the hockey games each day, call 535-7825.