Nov 3, 2025
·Mary Callahan
Located in the heart of Southern California’s Coachella Valley, Acrisure Arena is one of the newest and most exciting entertainment venues in the country. Opened in December 2022, this state-of-the-art arena quickly established itself as a hub for hockey, concerts and live events in the Palm Springs region. With its modern amenities, cutting-edge design and prime desert location, Acrisure Arena has become a must-visit destination for fans seeking world-class entertainment against the backdrop of sunny skies and mountain views.
About Acrisure Arena
Address: 75702 Varner Road, Palm Desert, CA 92211
Acrisure Arena is a 10,000-seat indoor venue built to serve the Coachella Valley and the greater Palm Springs area. Its design balances intimacy and modern technology, offering spectators great sightlines from every seat and a fan-friendly layout.
The arena is best known as the home of the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the NHL’s Seattle Kraken. In addition to hockey, Acrisure Arena has already welcomed A-list concerts, family shows, sporting events and community gatherings. Its location along Interstate 10 also makes it an accessible stop for visitors traveling from Los Angeles, San Diego or Phoenix.
History of Acrisure Arena
The project was first announced in 2019, with the goal of bringing professional hockey and a major indoor concert venue to the Coachella Valley. The $300 million arena was developed through a partnership between the Oak View Group, the Seattle Kraken, and live entertainment leaders.
Construction began in 2021, and the arena officially opened in December 2022 with a star-studded concert by the Eagles. Since then, Acrisure Arena has quickly grown into one of the premier venues in the Southwest, hosting events ranging from sold-out NHL preseason games to performances by icons like Chris Rock, Bruno Mars and Shania Twain.
Getting to Acrisure Arena
By Car: The arena is located just off I-10 at Cook Street, making it easy to access from Palm Springs, Indio and surrounding Coachella Valley cities.
Parking: Acrisure Arena offers on-site parking with several lots surrounding the venue. Pre-purchasing parking passes is recommended for major events.
Public Transit: SunLine Transit Agency operates local bus service that connects nearby neighborhoods, but most fans arrive by car or rideshare.
Rideshare/Drop-Off: Uber, Lyft, and taxi drop-off zones are located on the arena grounds for convenience.
What to Expect on Event Day
Event days at Acrisure Arena offer a blend of modern amenities and desert charm. Whether attending a hockey game, a concert or a comedy show, fans can look forward to:
Spacious concourses with clear views of the arena floor.
High-tech video boards and sound systems that amplify the entertainment experience.
Food & beverage options that highlight both classic arena favorites and regional specialties.
A fan-first design, with quick-moving concession lines and plenty of restrooms.
The arena’s smaller capacity compared to larger city venues creates an intimate atmosphere, making every seat feel close to the action.
Seating at Acrisure Arena
The venue was designed with both comfort and flexibility in mind. Seating options include:
Lower Bowl: Closest to the ice, stage, or court, with premium sightlines and high-energy atmosphere.
Upper Bowl: Elevated seats that still maintain excellent views thanks to the arena’s compact size.
Suites & Premium Seating: Acrisure Arena offers 20 luxury suites, four party suites and premium clubs with VIP amenities.
Concert Floor Seating: For concerts, the arena floor is reconfigured into a general admission or reserved seating area, bringing fans right up to the stage.
No matter where you sit, Acrisure Arena’s design ensures fans feel connected to the event.
Stadium Policies
Bag Policy: Only clear bags up to 12” x 6” x 12” or small clutches are permitted.
Cashless Venue: All concessions and retail locations are cashless, accepting credit/debit cards and mobile payments.
Prohibited Items: Outside food/drinks, professional cameras, drones, laser pointers and noisemakers.
Accessibility: The arena is ADA-compliant with accessible seating, elevators, ramps and assistive services.
Food & Drink at Acrisure Arena
Acrisure Arena has quickly developed a reputation for offering elevated food and beverage experiences compared to traditional arenas. Highlights include:
Desert-inspired cuisine: Tacos, BBQ, and fresh California flavors.
Classic arena eats: Hot dogs, pretzels, nachos and popcorn.
Bars & lounges: Specialty cocktails, craft beer, and wine from California vineyards.
Local partnerships: Many concessions feature ties to Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley culinary scene.
For fans seeking something special, premium areas also feature chef-driven menus and exclusive beverage options.
Notable Events at Acrisure Arena
Though it’s still new, Acrisure Arena has already built a strong resume of must-see events:
Coachella Valley Firebirds Hockey: The Firebirds have drawn large, passionate crowds since their debut season, creating one of the best atmospheres in the AHL.
Concerts: The Eagles opened the arena in 2022, followed by major tours from artists like Harry Styles, Grupo Firme and Chris Stapleton.
Comedy & Family Shows: Top comedians, Cirque du Soleil, Disney on Ice, and other touring productions have filled the arena.
NHL Preseason Games: The Los Angeles Kings and Arizona Coyotes have played exhibition games here, giving hockey fans in the desert a taste of NHL action.
Nearby Attractions
The Palm Springs area offers no shortage of pre- and post-event entertainment options:
Coachella Valley: Known for music festivals, golf resorts and desert landscapes.
Palm Springs Downtown: A hub of shopping, dining and nightlife about 20 minutes from the arena.
Joshua Tree National Park: A short drive away, offering world-class hiking and sightseeing.
Casinos & Resorts: Several major casinos are nearby, providing additional dining and entertainment.
Acrisure Arena’s Legacy in the Making
As one of the newest arenas in the U.S., Acrisure Arena is still writing its story—but its impact is already clear. It has brought professional hockey to the desert, elevated the Coachella Valley’s live entertainment scene and given fans a venue that blends modern technology with regional character.
For locals, it’s a long-awaited hub for year-round events. For visitors, it’s an exciting new stop on the Southern California entertainment circuit. Acrisure Arena is quickly proving that great things can happen when sports, music and culture come together in the desert.
Plan Your Visit with SeatGeek
Whether you’re cheering on the Coachella Valley Firebirds, seeing your favorite artist in an intimate setting or bringing the family to a live show, SeatGeek makes it easy to find the best tickets at Acrisure Arena. Compare prices, pick your seats and get ready for a one-of-a-kind desert entertainment experience.