Mac Rating: 5.00 | Votes: 1 | Date: 19/06/2026 22:34:00

The largest indoor venue in southern Maine, Cross Insurance Arena is a multi-purpose arena in the heart of downtown Portland. Opened in 1977 and known for many years as the Cumberland County Civic Center, the building underwent a major renovation completed in 2014 that modernised its facilities and added its current name, securing its place as the region's premier venue for sport, concerts and large gatherings. The arena holds around six to seven thousand spectators depending on the configuration and is built around a flexible floor that converts between ice, hardwood and concert setups. It serves as the home of the city's professional ice hockey team and hosts a range of other sporting events, while its adaptable bowl allows it to pivot easily to concerts, family shows, trade events and community functions throughout the year. Beyond sport, the venue is the leading concert destination in the area, bringing major touring artists, comedians and family entertainment to Portland that would otherwise bypass the region. Its scale fills an important niche between the city's smaller clubs and theatres and the much larger arenas of Boston and beyond, making it central to the cultural life of southern Maine. Its downtown location is a key advantage. Set within walking distance of Portland's restaurants, hotels and the Old Port district, and easily reached by road, the arena draws crowds into the city centre and benefits from the surrounding amenities. That central setting makes event days a wider occasion for the downtown area. Following its modernisation, Cross Insurance Arena has continued to serve as a cornerstone of entertainment and sport in the region. Its combination of a flexible mid-sized bowl, a downtown location and a varied calendar of events keeps it the go-to venue for big nights out in southern Maine.