| Appalachian Wireless Arena | |
| Location: | 126 Main Street Pikeville, Kentucky |
| Coordinates: | 37.4815°N -82.5151°W |
| Opened: | October 2005[1] |
| Owner: | Commonwealth of Kentucky |
| Construction Cost: | $29 million ($ in dollars) |
| Former Names: | Eastern Kentucky Expo Center (2005-2019) |
| Seating Capacity: | 7,000 (concerts) 5,700 (sporting events) |
| Website: | https://www.appalachianwirelessarena.com |
The Appalachian Wireless Arena is a multi-purpose arena in Pikeville, Kentucky. Opened in October 2005, it hosts various local concerts and sporting events for the area. The facility, which can seat 7,000 for concerts and 5,700 for sporting events, is owned by the Commonwealth of Kentucky and managed by the City of Pikeville.
From 2005 to 2019, the facility was named the Eastern Kentucky Expo Center, however in June 2019 naming rights were sold to Appalachian Wireless, as part of a 5-year, $85,000/year contract.[2] [3]
On October 22, 2022, the Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball played the annual Blue-White intra-squad scrimmage, normally held at Rupp Arena at Appalachian Wireless Arena to raise money for relief due to the 2022 Eastern Kentucky floods. The event raised over $160,000.[4]
| Club | Sport | Years Active | League | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Drillers | Arena Football | 2011–2013 | CIFL, UIFL | |
| UPike Bears | Basketball | 2005–present | NAIA | |
| East Kentucky Drillers | Arena Football | 2011–2012 | UIFL | |
| East Kentucky Energy | Basketball | 2010–2012 | ABA | |
| East Kentucky Miners | Basketball | 2007–2009 | CBA |