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Selland Arena
Selland Arena
Selland Arena
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Interior view of Selland Arena during the 2009 California Interscholastic Federation Central Section basketball tournament. Photo features the new scoreboard and new seats installed during renovation.

Key Information

Selland Arena is a multi-purpose arena built in 1966 that makes up part of a four-venue complex of the Fresno Convention and Entertainment Center in Fresno, California. It is named after former Fresno mayor Arthur L. Selland and has had over 10 million people walk through its doors in its over 50-year history.[4] The arena originally had a 6,582 seating capacity, but a US$10 million expansion project in 1981 increased the seating to its current capacity of 10,132.[4] Before the 1997-1998 Fresno State basketball season, capacity was increased to 10,220.[5] The Selland Arena underwent an additional $15 million renovation in November 2006, that included the installation of new seats, a new video replay scoreboard, message boards and a new ice-cooling system for hockey games.[6]

As of January 11, 2026, the Fresno Convention and Entertainment Center (which includes Selland Arena) is under new management by VenuWorks and ATG Entertainment.[7]

Tenants

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The arena is home to the Fresno Monsters junior ice hockey team of the United States Premier Hockey League. On January 27, 2010, the Monsters hockey team agreed to a contract extension to play at the arena through the 2012–13 hockey season. The arena hosted a combined 32 home games between the organization's North American Hockey League (NAHL) and Western States Hockey League (WSHL) teams during the 2012–13 hockey season. After the 2012–13 season, the NAHL Monsters' franchise was relocated to Wenatchee, Washington, to take the place of the original Wenatchee Wild and the Tier III WSHL Monsters began playing at the lower capacity Gateway Ice Center. The WSHL Monsters returned to Selland in 2018 for 21 of their 23 home games in the 2018–19 season and then full-time in the 2019–20 season.[8] The Monsters left the WSHL and joined the USPHL after the 2019–20 season.

Notable events

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Selland Arena has hosted concerts, conventions, ice shows, youth sports, professional sports, motocross, rodeo, religious events, graduations, and community events.

Notable events that have taken place at the arena include: the tour opening July 19, 1974 Grateful Dead show, WWF Royal Rumble 1996, Fully Loaded 1998, concerts by many major rock and popular music groups and talents, including Kiss, Deep Purple, Yes, Elvis Presley, Elton John, Metallica, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Aerosmith, Tina Turner, ABBA, David Bowie, Los Bukis, Sammy Hagar, Garth Brooks, and Selena Quintanilla .

Van Halen performed at Selland during its For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge Tour on May 14–15, 1992, and the shows were recorded and later released as a live album, entitled Live: Right Here, Right Now.

It also has hosted the California Interscholastic Federation Central Section Basketball Finals since 2004.

California Future Farmers of America Association hosted its annual State Conference. The last conference was hosted in April 2017. The leadership conference was moved to Anaheim Convention Center for the years 2018 and 2019, and to Sacramento for the years 2020 and 2021, as Selland Arena was too small for it to keep hosting the annual conference.

See also

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References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Selland Arena

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Selland Arena is a multi-purpose indoor arena in , serving as a key venue within the Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center complex at 700 M Street. Opened in September 1966 and named after former Fresno mayor Arthur E. Selland, it was originally constructed at a cost of $10 million with an initial seating capacity of 6,582. The arena accommodates up to 7,200 seated spectators in its current configuration, expandable to 9,200 including general admission floor seating for 3,000, making it one of Central California's premier facilities for diverse events such as concerts, games, ice shows, wrestling, and community gatherings. The arena's history reflects its evolution alongside Fresno's growth as a regional hub. Following its opening, Selland Arena served as the home of from 1966 to 2003. In November 2006, a $15 million renovation modernized the venue with new seating, a video replay , and improved amenities; subsequent updates prioritized comfort, reducing fixed seating to 7,200 wider chairs equipped with cup holders. In October 2025, the Fresno/Clovis Convention & Visitors Bureau donated $605,000 for a state-of-the-art , scheduled for installation later in the year. Key features of Selland Arena include its largest general admission floor in the region, certified for 3,000 standing patrons, along with an ice floor capability for shows like , nine dressing rooms, VIP seating options, and ample on-site parking. It supports a wide array of programming, from professional and youth sports like hockey, , and to cultural events such as the World Ballet Series and religious gatherings, underscoring its role as a versatile community asset. On November 30, 2025, it is scheduled to host Fresno State basketball's inaugural "Return to Selland" game against CSU Bakersfield, signaling renewed prominence for collegiate athletics at the venue.

History

Construction and opening

Planning for Selland Arena began in 1963, when Fresno voters approved an $8 million bond in April (though short of the two-thirds majority required), leading to the issuance of $8.5 million in revenue bonds to fund the project as part of the Fresno Convention Center complex and address the lack of a suitable mid-sized venue for sports, conventions, and entertainment in Central California. The project was part of Mayor Selland's vision for downtown renewal beginning in 1961, featuring a landscaped courtyard with Alexander Calder’s 'Bucephalis' sculpture. Groundbreaking occurred in 1965, with construction progressing rapidly to meet the growing demand for civic and recreational facilities in the region. The arena was designed by the architectural firm Robert Stevens and Associates in a contemporary modernist style, featuring functional design elements suited for multi-purpose use. Construction of the arena, serving as the centerpiece of the complex, was completed at an approximate cost of $10 million, reflecting the era's emphasis on innovative public infrastructure to boost local economy and community engagement. Named in honor of former Fresno mayor Arthur E. Selland, who advocated for key civic projects during his tenure from 1958 to 1963, the venue was positioned between Inyo and Ventura Streets, and San Pablo and Blackstone Avenues, integrating seamlessly with the adjacent exhibit hall and theater. This development marked a significant step in Fresno's mid-century urban expansion, earning early recognition including the Chapter of the Award of Excellence in 1962 for its forward-thinking design. Selland Arena officially opened in September 1966, providing an original of 6,582 in a flexible multi-purpose configuration that supported diverse events from to conventions. The debut immediately established it as a vital hub for Central California's entertainment infrastructure, hosting its inaugural game as the new home for the that season.

Expansions and renovations

A $10 million expansion project completed before the 1984–85 season increased its seating capacity from the original 6,582 to 10,132, enhancing its ability to accommodate larger audiences for sports and entertainment events. This upgrade included improvements to overall access and infrastructure, allowing the venue to better support growing demand in the Central Valley region. By the late , minor capacity adjustments had pushed the total to 10,220 seats, coinciding with strong attendance for Fresno State games, where the arena saw multiple sellouts during the 1997-98 season. A more comprehensive followed in November 2006, which replaced seating throughout the facility with over 7,200 wider, more comfortable chairs equipped with cup holders, along with the installation of a new video replay and message boards to modernize the spectator experience. These changes also incorporated ADA-compliant features, such as wheelchair-accessible seating areas, and improved concessions access to better serve diverse crowds. In late 2025, the arena received a donation-funded upgrade totaling $605,000 from Visit Fresno County to install a state-of-the-art LED , replacing the outdated 2006 system and enhancing visibility for , , and other events. This latest improvement ensures continued relevance as a premier venue. These expansions and renovations have directly enabled Selland Arena to host larger-scale events, including games with high attendance—such as the 2025 "Return to Selland" matchup—and major concerts by artists like and Metallica, solidifying its role in regional entertainment.

Facilities

Capacity and seating

Selland Arena features a maximum capacity of 9,200, depending on the event configuration. The venue provides over 7,200 fixed seats across its tiered lower bowl and upper balcony levels, supplemented by up to 3,000 general admission spaces on the floor for larger gatherings. The seating is arranged in a multi-level configuration, with the lower bowl offering proximity to the event floor and the upper balcony providing elevated views. Widely regarded for its superior sightlines in California's , every seat positions attendees close to , ensuring an intimate experience without obstructed perspectives. Following expansions in the and , the arena's layout was refined to enhance visibility and comfort across all sections. The arena's 27,000-square-foot floor is highly configurable, supporting a standard of 94 feet by 50 feet or a convertible measuring approximately 200 feet by 85 feet for hockey and ice events. Removable seating allows adaptation for conventions and other non-sporting uses, maximizing flexible space utilization. Compared to the larger nearby , which holds 15,596 for , Selland Arena's more compact design suits mid-sized events in the region effectively. Accessibility features include spaces integrated throughout the seating areas, with companion seating available adjacent to each location; patrons can request accommodations via the venue's main office.

Technical features and amenities

Selland Arena is equipped with advanced audio-visual systems to enhance event experiences, including a state-of-the-art featuring LCD screens that supports video replays and displays. In October 2025, a $605,000 to the scoreboard was approved, funded by a donation from the Fresno/Clovis Convention & Visitors Bureau, ensuring high-quality visuals for sports and performances. Audio and lighting services are facilitated through approved vendors specializing in sound systems, LED walls, and full event production to accommodate diverse setups. The arena's flooring includes a dedicated ice surface suitable for hockey games, shows, and other , enabling year-round hosting of such events within its 27,000 square feet of configurable space. This ice floor integrates seamlessly with the venue's multi-purpose design, allowing quick transitions to other configurations like courts or stages. Visitor amenities at Selland Arena prioritize convenience and comfort, with easy access to concessions offering food and beverages, including multiple stations for quick service during events. The facility provides nine backstage dressing rooms that serve as locker areas for performers and teams, equipped for preparation needs. VIP seating options are available throughout the arena, offering enhanced views and access for premium guests. Sustainability efforts in the broader Fresno Convention & complex include energy-efficient upgrades, such as LED elements in advertising panels, though specific arena-wide initiatives like comprehensive programs are managed event-by-event. Operational enhancements support efficient event , with load-in and load-out facilitated via two 14-by-14-foot doors on the south end ramp, allowing one truck at a time for smooth setup and teardown. Adjacent is available in the O Street lot and the O & M Street garage, providing ample spaces for attendees near the 700 M Street entrance.

Tenants

Current tenants

The primary tenant of Selland Arena is the Fresno Monsters, a junior ice hockey team competing in the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) Premier division. The team utilizes the arena's ice rink for a portion of its home games each season, including 11 games during the 2025-2026 campaign.

Former tenants

The Fresno State Bulldogs men's basketball team served as the primary tenant of Selland Arena from its opening in 1966 through the 2002–03 season, hosting NCAA Division I games and other university sports events during that period. While primary tenancy ended with the 2003 opening of the on-campus Save Mart Center, the team has returned for occasional games, including one in the 2025–26 season. Under coaches Boyd Grant and Jerry Tarkanian, the Bulldogs achieved multiple conference championships at the venue, including Big West titles that contributed to strong local fan support known as the Red Wave. The team departed following the 2003 opening of the larger on-campus Save Mart Center, which provided expanded capacity and facilities to meet growing attendance demands. The Fresno Falcons ice hockey franchise had several stints at Selland Arena, including periods in the Pacific Southwest Hockey League from 1981 to 1989 and the from 1995 to 2003, before returning for their final 2008–09 season in the . The team, which also competed briefly in the Sunshine Hockey League during –95, enjoyed notable success with multiple playoff appearances and a league championship in the early , fostering a dedicated local following. Operations ceased midway through the 2008–09 season due to financial difficulties exacerbated by the economic downturn, leading to the franchise's folding and the loss of about 35 jobs. Other short-term tenants included the Fresno Flames basketball team of the in 1988.

Events

Sports events

Selland Arena has hosted numerous significant sports competitions beyond regular tenant schedules, particularly in basketball, boxing, and wrestling. In basketball, the venue served as the site for the 2000 (WAC) men's tournament, where Fresno State claimed the title with a victory over Tulsa in the championship game. This event highlighted the arena's role in regional collegiate athletics during Fresno State's WAC era. The arena has a long history of professional boxing cards, dating back to at least the early . A notable early event was a 1971 benefit boxing show featuring as a celebrity guest, which supported local causes including the family of boxer Eddie Pace. In the 2000s, Selland Arena hosted high-profile bouts such as 's successful defense of his WBC lightweight title against Victoriano Sosa in 2003, marking the first world championship boxing match at the venue. Local promotions have featured annual cards with Central Valley professionals since the , contributing to Fresno's boxing scene resurgence. Wrestling events have been a staple at Selland Arena, with the venue regularly hosting California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Central Section Masters tournaments and California USA Wrestling (CA-USAW) state championships for various youth divisions. These annual competitions, including folkstyle and Greco-Roman events for kids and novices, draw top high school and youth talent from across the state. Ice hockey milestones at the arena include exhibitions and tournaments during the Fresno Falcons' tenure in the West Coast Hockey League (WCHL) and later ECHL affiliation, though specific international youth events remain limited in documentation. Attendance records for sports events peaked in the 1980s, with Fresno State basketball games frequently exceeding 10,000 fans following the arena's 1984 expansion, including multiple sellouts during playoff runs that established "Grant's Tomb" as a formidable home-court advantage. In 2025, the arena hosted Fresno State Bulldogs' "Return to Selland" men's basketball games, marking a resurgence in collegiate athletics at the venue.

Concerts and performances

Selland Arena has hosted numerous concerts and performances since its opening in 1966, establishing itself as a key venue for live entertainment in . Iconic acts have graced its stage, including , who performed there multiple times across decades, beginning with a show on May 12, 1971, and continuing through tours in 1999 and 2001. Country superstar also held performances in the , notably in 1992 and a five-night stand in 1997 that sold 50,001 tickets. In the and , the arena welcomed progressive rock band Tool for shows in 2006 and 2014, drawing dedicated fans to its intimate setup. Similarly, local favorites returned for a 2017 performance as part of their "8 Tour," sharing the bill with and . These events highlight the venue's versatility in accommodating major touring acts. Family-oriented productions have been a staple, with annual Disney On Ice shows serving as a highlight since at least the late . A 2016 run of presents Frozen set an attendance record with over 36,000 visitors across 10 performances, underscoring the arena's appeal for large-scale family entertainment. The arena's performance history includes hundreds of concerts, with activity peaking in the following a major expansion that increased capacity and attracted more national tours. By 2012, it ranked 84th nationally among arenas, selling 75,221 tickets for events that year. Stage setups often utilize the full floor for up to 3,000 general admission spots, supporting diverse configurations for music and theater. As Central California's premier mid-sized venue, Selland Arena has played a pivotal role in exposing the region to national and international performers, fostering a vibrant local music scene through consistent bookings of high-profile acts.

Other notable events

Selland Arena has hosted portions of the annual California FFA State Leadership Conference, an agricultural-focused event that draws thousands of students and aligns with Fresno's prominent role in the state's industry, including judging contests and awards ceremonies conducted on-site. The venue has served as a site for significant political gatherings, such as the 2016 campaign rally for then-presidential candidate , which attracted a crowd of several thousand supporters amid heightened security measures. Among miscellaneous events, Selland Arena has regularly featured rallies, including multiple iterations of the Monster Trucks Live series, providing high-energy entertainment with vehicle stunts and family-oriented spectacles since at least the late . Over its history since opening in 1966, the arena has welcomed more than 10 million visitors across various gatherings, underscoring its status as a key community hub in . During the , Selland Arena suspended all events in March 2020 in compliance with orders, leading to widespread cancellations; operations resumed in 2021 with adaptations such as limited , mandatory proof of or negative testing for indoor events, and enhanced sanitation protocols to mitigate virus transmission. As part of the broader Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center complex, Selland Arena facilitates integrated events that span multiple venues, such as conventions utilizing adjacent exhibit halls for displays alongside arena programming for assemblies or ceremonies.

References

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