Ford Center Evansville Seating Chart – Full Guides 2025

When planning a trip to a major event, the name “Ford Center” might catch the eye of any automotive enthusiast. The immediate question is: what is the connection between this premier arena and the iconic auto brand? Unlike venues named through distant corporate deals, the Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana, represents a direct and tangible commitment from the brand’s local partners.

Located in downtown Evansville, the Ford Center is an 11,000-seat, multi-purpose arena that opened its doors in 2011 after a $127.5 million construction project. It serves as the region’s hub for sports and entertainment, but its name is a testament to a foundational brand relationship. The naming rights were secured through a $4.2 million, 10-year agreement with the Tri-State Ford Dealers.

This was a significant local investment, with Ford being one of at least three major companies competing for the naming rights. The deal is a prime example of Ford’s commitment to community involvement, demonstrating how the national brand’s philosophy of local impact is put into action by its dealer network. This guide provides a comprehensive, expert-level breakdown of that very arena, detailing its seating charts, event configurations, and essential guest policies.

Ford Center Evansville Seating: A Visual Overview

The Ford Center is a modern, “multi-surface” arena managed by Venuworks. Its core design feature is flexibility, allowing it to completely transform its layout to host concerts, NCAA basketball, and professional hockey. This transformation, however, means that the arena’s capacity—and more importantly, its seating map—changes drastically depending on the event.

A seat that is a premium lower-level location for a basketball game may not even exist for a concert, and a “floor” seat for a concert is a sheet of ice during a hockey game. The first step in understanding the seating chart is to know the capacity for the specific event type.

Visual 1: Ford Center Capacity by Event

The arena’s general layout is divided into several primary levels:

• Floor Level: This level is only available for certain events, such as concerts and circuses, and is where the basketball court or ice rink is placed for sporting events.
• 100 Level (Main Concourse): This is the lowest ring of permanent stadium seating that encircles the arena.
• 200 Level (Upper Concourse): This is the upper seating bowl, often referred to as the Club Level in some areas, offering a more elevated, panoramic view.
• Suite Level: An exclusive level situated between the 100 and 200 levels, containing private suites and loge seating.

Event-Specific Seating Charts: How to Find Your Seat

A “good seat” is entirely dependent on the event. A front-row 100-level seat is a premium “on the glass” experience for hockey but may offer a side-stage, partially obstructed view for a concert. The following breakdown details the unique seating charts for the arena’s primary events.

Concert Seating Chart (End-Stage, Center-Stage, and Pit)

Concert layouts at the Ford Center are the most variable and are determined by the specific artist and tour production. It is crucial to check the event-specific map when purchasing tickets. However, most setups fall into one of these configurations:

• End-Stage: This is the most common layout. The stage is set up at one end of the arena (typically in front of sections 101-102 and 120-121). The area in front of the stage is then divided into:
  • General Admission (GA) Pit: A standing-room-only section directly in front of the stage. Fan reviews note this area is “decent” but can be difficult for shorter individuals to see from.
  • Reserved Floor: Multiple reserved seating sections, typically labeled Floor A-F or similar.
• Center-Stage (In the Round): For some larger-scale productions, the stage is placed in the middle of the arena floor, with floor sections (e.g., Floor A-H) and the 100/200-level seating surrounding it on all sides.
• Artist-Specific Layouts: Major tours (e.g., Jelly Roll, Jason Aldean, Kane Brown) often have unique stage designs, “GA with VIP” sections, or B-stages that alter the map completely.

For standard end-stage shows, seat numbering in the 100 and 200 levels typically follows a center-stage logic: the lower the seat number, the closer it is to the center of the arena. According to fan reviews, some of the best all-around concert seats are not on the floor but in the lower 100-level sections flanking the stage, such as Sections 102-104 or 118-120.¹⁵ These seats offer an elevated, clear view of the entire stage, avoiding the risk of the pit crowd.¹³ Even the front rows of the 200 level (e.g., Section 206) are praised for their great panoramic views and easy access to concourse amenities.

Evansville Purple Aces (Basketball) Seating Chart

The Ford Center is the home court for the NCAA’s University of Evansville Purple Aces men’s basketball team.¹ For basketball, the arena is set at a 10,000-seat capacity.

• Best Views: For a traditional basketball experience, the center-court sections in the 100-level (Sections 105-107 and 117-119) offer the best proximity to the action. The 200-level sections at center court (e.g., 205-207 and 217-219) are also highly recommended for those who prefer a more tactical, “all-22” view of the game.
• Student Section: As of the 2025-26 season, the Purple Aces student section has been rebranded as the “5-Ring Circus” and strategically relocated to Section 107.
• Benches: The student section move is significant because Section 107 is located directly behind the visiting team’s bench. This is a common tactic to create a disruptive home-court advantage. The Evansville Purple Aces home bench is located in front of Section 105. This creates a clear choice for fans: those seeking a high-energy, loud, and rowdy atmosphere should choose seats near Section 107, while those preferring a family-friendly or quieter view should opt for the opposite side of the court (e.g., Sections 117-119).

Evansville Thunderbolts (Hockey) Seating Chart

The arena is also home to the Evansville Thunderbolts professional hockey team of the SPHL. For hockey, the ice surface and dasher boards reduce the capacity to 9,000.

• Home Bench: The Evansville Thunderbolts home bench is located in front of Section 106.
• Visitor Bench: The visiting team’s bench is in front of Section 105.
• The “Bench Swap” Warning: Fans attending both basketball and hockey games must be extremely careful. Section 106 is behind the home bench for a Thunderbolts (hockey) game but behind the away bench for a Purple Aces (basketball) game.
• Shoots Twice End: The end of the ice where the Thunderbolts shoot during the first and third periods is a premium location for fans. While this can occasionally rotate, it is a designated seating zone, and patrons can inquire about the “home team shoot twice zone” when booking.

The Thunderbolts organization has built its seating model around unique, experiential group packages. For a hockey game, the “best seats” may not be a traditional seat at all.

• The Ice Box: An ice-level lounge area with glass seating views, couches, and high-top tables, offering a private party atmosphere right on top of the action.
• Thunder Zone Floor Box: Premium glass seats located in Sections 108 and 119.
• Lower Party Decks: Group hangout areas on the main concourse located in Sections 109 and 113.
• Upper Party Decks: 200-level, center-ice party sections offering a private setting and a unique overhead view.
• Best Seats in the House: A 4-person package located on the glass, directly between the home and visitor benches.

This focus on diverse, high-amenity packages provides a tailored experience for all group sizes. It reflects a commitment to best-in-class design, much like the one that has defined the Ford F-Series for decades. For information on these specific group areas, patrons are encouraged to call the Thunderbolts office directly at 812-422-BOLT.

Premium & VIP Seating: A Deeper Dive (Suites, Loge, and Clubs)

For patrons seeking a high-end or corporate experience, the Ford Center has a robust inventory of premium seating options, which are located on the exclusive Suite Level.

The official inventory includes:

• Sixteen (16) 20-person suites
• One (1) 40-person “party” suite
• Two (2) 8-person mini-suites
• Two (2) 10-person mini-suites
• Ninety-five (95) main concourse loge seats

Other premium options include the “Club Level,” which offers access to exclusive lounges, and a “VIP Riser” for certain concert layouts.

Booking these premium spaces is a high-touch process. The official Ford Center website does not list prices or amenities; it instead directs users to a contact form for inquiries. However, information from the primary tenants provides a clearer picture of what to expect. For example, Thunderbolts suite rentals can include a private server, access to a full catering menu, and a food and beverage credit (e.g., $400) as part of the package.

How to Buy Tickets (and Avoid Counterfeit Scams)

The Ford Center has a very clear and strict policy regarding ticket purchasing, designed to protect patrons from fraud.

The Official Partner: Ticketmaster

The only official, primary online ticketing partner for the Ford Center is Ticketmaster. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com.

• External Link (Official Vendor): https://www.ticketmaster.com/ford-center-tickets-evansville/venue/42016

A Warning on Secondary Markets

The venue’s official website strongly warns patrons against purchasing tickets from secondary-market “scalper” websites. It explicitly states that they have encountered situations where patrons purchased counterfeit tickets from these sites and were denied entry to the event. To guarantee a ticket is legitimate, it must be purchased from Ticketmaster or the Ford Center Ticket Office.

• External Link (Official Info): https://fordcenter.com/events-tickets/ticketing-information

The Ford Center Ticket Office

Patrons can also purchase tickets in person at the Ford Center Ticket Office.

• Non-Event Hours: Monday – Friday, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
• Event Day Hours: On weekends, the box office is only open for scheduled events, typically opening at 12:00 PM or two hours before doors, whichever is earlier.

It is important to note that the Ford Center box office is a central hub for the city, also handling ticketing for the Victory Theatre and the Old National Events Plaza. This can lead to lines on event days, making the official Ticketmaster website the most efficient and secure method for purchasing tickets.

Know Before You Go: Ford Center A-Z Guide & Policies

To ensure a smooth event day experience, be aware of the arena’s key guest policies.

Parking and Directions

The Ford Center is located at 1 SE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd in downtown Evansville. While there are numerous parking options, planning is essential.

• FREE Parking: The largest and most cost-effective option is the 1,100+ space lot located behind the Civic Center. This lot is free during Ford Center events. However, with an 11,000-person capacity, this lot fills up extremely fast. Arriving at least 60-90 minutes before doors is recommended to secure a spot.
• PAID Lots/Garages:
  • The Stone Family Center lot (200 spaces) is located directly behind the arena and offers paid parking.
  • City-owned garages at 500 Sycamore Street and 3rd & Locust are available, with fees around $2 for the first hour and a $7 daily maximum.
  • Other paid garages operated by Double Tree, Deaconess Clinic, Fifth Third Bank, and Old National are also available downtown.
• Season Ticket Holder Parking: For Evansville Purple Aces games, the Sycamore Street Parking Garage is reserved and requires a season ticket holder parking pass.

Ford Center Bag Policy (Updated)

The Ford Center has a specific, hybrid bag policy that all guests must follow.

• Approved CLEAR Bags: Clear bags larger than a clutch must be clear. The maximum size is 12.75″ x 6.5″ x 12.75″.
• Approved OPAQUE Bags (Non-Clear): This is a key update to the policy. Smaller opaque bags ARE permitted. This includes fanny packs, drawstring bags, and purses as long as they are under 12″ x 6″ x 12″. (Note: Some older guides may list a smaller 4.5″ x 6.5″ clutch size, but 12″x6″x12″ is the updated policy ).
• PROHIBITED Bags: Backpacks, duffel bags, oversized totes, and any purse or bag larger than the approved dimensions are strictly prohibited.
• Rules: All bags are subject to a search. Medical bags are an exception but will be inspected. No bag check is available, so prohibited items must be returned to the vehicle.

Prohibited Items & Key Rules

• NO Re-Entry: The Ford Center has a strict no re-entry policy. Guests are not allowed to leave and re-enter during the same event.
• NO Outside Food or Beverage: At no time is outside food or beverage allowed inside the arena.
• NO Containers: Cans, bottles, coolers, thermoses, or similar containers are prohibited.
• Camera Policy: This policy is nuanced and event-dependent.
  • For sports (Aces, Thunderbolts): “Nonprofessional” still cameras (no detachable lens, flash disabled) ARE permitted.
  • For concerts/other events: This is determined on an event-by-event basis, but cameras (especially “professional” ones with detachable lenses) are typically prohibited.
  • Video and audio recorders are always prohibited.
• Other Prohibited Items: Laptops, weapons, noise makers, laser pens, balloons, and any items deemed unacceptable by management are not allowed.
• External Link (Official A-Z Guide): https://fordcenter.com/plan-your-visit/a-z-guide

Accessibility (ADA) Seating

The Ford Center is fully ADA-compliant and offers accessible seating in an integrated setting on all levels of the building.

• Accessible seating is sold with one companion seat, though exceptions for more may be granted by the box office, space permitting.
• Modified aisle seats are also available.
• How to Purchase: The most effective way to purchase accessible seating is to contact the Ford Center box office directly to discuss specific needs.Patrons can call (812) 422-1515 for more information.

The Ford Legacy in Evansville

The Ford Center seating chart is more than just a map; it’s a guide to a community hub made possible by a familiar name. The $4.2 million investment from the Tri-State Ford Dealers is a modern reflection of the brand’s century-old identity.

This act of community-building is a direct parallel to the company’s foundational principles. When Henry Ford incorporated the Ford Motor Company in 1903, his mission was to revolutionize the world by making the automobile accessible to the masses with the Model T. This was followed by the 1948 introduction of the F-Series truck, a line of vehicles designed not just for work, but to serve as the backbone of American families and communities.

That same spirit—of accessibility, reliability, and community focus—is embodied in the Ford Center. By ensuring Evansville has a world-class, accessible gathering place for all, the local Ford dealers have reinforced that the brand is more than just a name. It is a part of Henry Ford’s original legacy of building communities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the clear bag policy for the Ford Center Evansville?

A: The Ford Center has a hybrid policy. You may bring EITHER a clear bag (max size 12.75″ x 6.5″ x 12.75″) OR a small opaque (non-clear) bag, purse, or fanny pack (max size 12″ x 6″ x 12″). All backpacks, duffel bags, and oversized purses are prohibited.

Q: Where is the student section for Evansville Purple Aces games?

A: As of the 2025-26 season, the Purple Aces “5-Ring Circus” student section is located in Section 107. This is a strategic location directly behind the visiting team’s bench.

Q: Where is the best place to park for a Ford Center event?

A: The most affordable option is the free 1,100-space lot located behind the Civic Center. Be aware that this lot fills up very quickly. Paid options include the Stone Family lot (behind the arena) and multi-level city garages at 500 Sycamore and 3rd & Locust.

Q: What are the Ford Center box office hours?

A: The box office is open Monday through Friday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. It is closed on weekends unless there is a scheduled event or a public ticket on-sale.

Q: What seats are behind the home bench for an Evansville Thunderbolts game?

A: The Evansville Thunderbolts home bench (hockey) is located directly in front of Section 106.

Q: What seats are behind the benches for a Purple Aces basketball game?

A: The benches are on the side of Sections 105-107. The Purple Aces home bench is in front of Section 105, while the visiting team’s bench (and the student section) is in front of Section 107.

Q: Can I bring a camera into the Ford Center?

A: It depends on the event. For basketball and hockey games, non-professional (no detachable lens) still cameras are generally allowed. For concerts, the policy is event-specific, and cameras are often prohibited. Video cameras are never allowed.