Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska is a large indoor arena that hosts various events throughout the year. The arena opened in 2013 and has a capacity of 15,500 for basketball games. However, the seating capacity can vary depending on the type of event being held. Concerts and other performances often have lower capacities due to stage and floor seating configurations. Determining the exact number of people that can fit in Pinnacle Bank Arena depends on the seating arrangement and whether the event is general admission standing room only or has reserved seating.
Seating Capacity
According to the official website for Pinnacle Bank Arena, the seating capacity is as follows:
Event Type | Capacity |
---|---|
Basketball | 15,500 |
Concerts | 12,000-14,000 |
Family shows | 13,500 |
As you can see, the capacity ranges from 12,000 to 15,500 depending on the type of event. Basketball games, which utilize retractable seating in the arena, have the maximum capacity at 15,500. Concerts and other performances vary based on the stage and floor seating set up but typically range between 12,000-14,000. Family shows such as Disney on Ice are around 13,500.
Basketball Games
For basketball games, Pinnacle Bank Arena has a capacity of 15,500. This allows for excellent home court advantage for the Nebraska Cornhuskers men’s and women’s basketball teams. The seating includes retractable seats that can be pulled back for concerts and other events. The arena features 360-degree seating bowl with two levels of seats. There are 32 luxury suites and 1,140 club seats available as well. The seats are arranged around the basketball court allowing for optimal viewing angles for basketball games.
Concerts
When hosting concerts, Pinnacle Bank Arena’s capacity is reduced to 12,000-14,000. This is because concerts require space for a stage, speakers, and equipment. Floor seats are replaced with standing room only general admission pits surrounding the stage. Some floor seating may remain behind the pits or to the sides if configured by the artist. Different stage configurations, such as in-the-round, can also impact the capacity for concerts. Most national touring acts can accommodate audiences between 12,000-14,000 at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Other Events
For other types of events such as family shows, motor sports, and graduation ceremonies, the capacity at Pinnacle Bank Arena is typically around 13,500. Different floor seat configurations are used, such as reserved chair seating for graduations. For events like Disney on Ice, seats may be set up on the floor to complement the lower and upper bowl permanent arena seating. Circus performances also limit capacity due to the ring set up on the floor. Besides concerts, most events fall into the 13,000-14,000 range.
Factors Impacting Capacity
There are several factors that impact the number of people able to fit in Pinnacle Bank Arena for any given event:
Type of Event
As described already, different events have different setups and requirements that impact seating capacity. Concerts require room for staging and equipment, while basketball games utilize retractable seating sections. The type of event dictates how the floor and seating areas can be utilized.
Reserved Seating vs. General Admission
Reserved seating events allow for precise capacity limits based on sellable seats. General admission events have more variability depending on how many standing room only tickets are issued. Strategies like first come, first served also make general admission capacities unpredictable.
Main Floor Configuration
The arrangements of the arena floor play a big role in determining maximum occupancy. For concerts, the stage size and location impacts how many can fit on the floor in front of it. For graduations, adding floor seating reduces standing room capacity. Movable floor seating helps adapt the venue to different events.
Backstage and Off-Stage Space Requirements
In addition to the arena bowl, events require backstage and off-stage spaces for performers, crew, equipment, and production operations. This can include dressing rooms, storage areas, technical facilities, and offices. Allocating this ancillary space reduces the capacity within the main arena seating areas.
Public Circulation and Access
Occupancy limits consider the need for people to be able to move freely and safely access bathrooms and amenities. Narrow aisles and lack of lobby space can create bottlenecks that reduce the usable capacity. Building codes require allowances for public circulation and ingress/egress.
Typical Capacity by Event Type
Here are some typical capacity ranges for different event types held at Pinnacle Bank Arena:
Concerts
12,000-14,000
Standing room on main floor around stage
Some removable floor seating behind pits or to sides
Permanent arena bowl seating
Variability based on stage size and location
General admission floor allows for flexibility
Basketball Games
15,500
Retractable seating deployed on lower and upper levels
360-degree seating bowl
Floor seating retracted to make room for court
Large capacity suitable for major college program
Reserved seating allows precise number control
Family Shows
13,500
Reserved floor seating added for views of center stage/floor
Some standing room ringside or open floor areas
Arena bowl seating utilized
Large capacities for popular touring shows
Graduations
12,000-13,000
Floor seating set up for graduates & guests
Reduced capacity due to added floor seating
Arena bowl seating can be curtained off to fit crowd
Reserved seating allows planning for precise turnout
Other Sporting Events
10,000-13,000
Varies based on floor set up for each sport
Some floor seating possible for views
Arena bowl seating adjusted as needed
Capacities scaled to demand for each event
Venue Data and Statistics
Here are some key statistics on the size and features of Pinnacle Bank Arena:
- 470,000 total square feet
- 9,500 square foot arena floor
- Three concourses totaling 64,000 square feet
- 32 luxury suites
- 1,140 club seats
- 2 super suite lounges on main concourse
- 44 points of sale concessions stands
- 1,229 feet of counter space for concessions
- 470 restroom fixtures total
The large concourse areas, numerous restrooms, concession stands, and luxe amenities can help accommodate crowds up to 15,500. Advanced systems also allow flexibility in the arena floor set up and seating configurations for different events.
Determining Accurate Capacities
Determining the most accurate capacity for an event requires coordination among several groups:
Event Promoters
Promoters must communicate their full expectations for seating, staging, and space requirements. This includes feedback from the artists and tour managers on what the show necessitates.
Venue Management
The venue managers take the input on the event requirements and recommend seating configurations and capacity options. This is based on their expertise with the venue’s capabilities.
Local Authorities
The fire marshal and city officials ensure capacity limits meet all applicable codes and public safety regulations. This includes having adequate exits and circulation for the proposed attendance.
Ticketing Vendors
Once a final capacity is determined, the ticketing outlets can configure the precise number of sellable seats or standing room tickets for the event. Sales are then capped at the established total capacity.
Coordination among all stakeholders ensures events are planned for the maximum number of attendees while maintaining a safe, controlled environment.
Conclusion
The total capacity at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska ranges between 12,000 to 15,500 people depending on the type of event being held. Concerts generally allow for 12,000-14,000 attendees with room for staging and general admission floor crowds. Basketball games utilize retractable seating to reach maximum capacity of 15,500. Other sporting events and family shows likely fall between 13,000-14,000 based on floor seat configurations. Determining the precise capacity requires input from promoters, venue managers, officials, and ticketing vendors to ensure a safe, well-planned event. While the total number can vary, Pinnacle Bank Arena’s flexibility and modern amenities allow it to accommodate crowds of all sizes.