Hertz Arena is a multi-purpose arena located in Estero, Florida. It is home to several sports teams and also hosts concerts and other events throughout the year. Here is an overview of some of the main groups and performers who play at Hertz Arena.
Florida Everblades
The main sports tenant at Hertz Arena is the Florida Everblades ice hockey team. The Everblades are a professional minor league team that plays in the ECHL (formerly called the East Coast Hockey League).
The Everblades have played at Hertz Arena since the venue first opened in 1998. From 2002 to 2012, the team was affiliated with the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes. They are now affiliated with the NHL’s Nashville Predators.
The Everblades have a passionate local fanbase and hold the ECHL record for highest playoff season attendance. The team has won one Kelly Cup championship in 2012.
Some key facts about the Florida Everblades:
- Founded: 1998
- League: ECHL
- Affiliation: Nashville Predators (NHL)
- Championships: 1 (Kelly Cup in 2012)
- Venue: Hertz Arena since 1998
- Average attendance: 5,000+
Florida Fire Frogs
Hertz Arena is also home to the Florida Fire Frogs baseball team. The Fire Frogs are a Class A-Advanced minor league affiliate of the Atlanta Braves.
The team was established in 2017 after the Braves relocated their former Class A-Advanced team, the Brevard County Manatees, from Viera, Florida to Hertz Arena. The Fire Frogs get their name from the Florida pine frog, which is native to the state.
The Fire Frogs previously played in the Florida State League and are joining the newly formed MLB Draft League in 2021.
Key facts about the Florida Fire Frogs:
- Founded: 2017
- League: MLB Draft League (formerly Florida State League)
- Affiliation: Atlanta Braves
- Venue: Hertz Arena since 2017
Concerts and Performances
In addition to sporting events, Hertz Arena also hosts various concerts and performances throughout the year. Musicians who have performed at the venue include:
- Eric Church
- Wayne Newton
- Sugarland
- Daughtry
- Scorpions
- REO Speedwagon
- Styx
- Alan Jackson
- Carrie Underwood
- Cher
- Rascal Flatts
Other notable events held at Hertz Arena include Disney on Ice shows, professional bull riding, mixed martial arts fights, and college basketball games.
Facility Information
Here are some key details about the Hertz Arena facility:
- Opened: 1998
- Seating capacity: 7,186 for ice hockey; up to 10,000 for concerts
- Location: Estero, Florida
- Operator: Hertz Arena
- Former names: TECO Arena (1998-2003), Everblades Arena (2003-2013)
Seating
The seating capacity at Hertz Arena varies depending on the event type and seating configuration. Some typical capacities are:
Event | Capacity |
---|---|
Ice hockey | 7,186 |
Concerts | Up to 10,000 |
Basketball | 8,500 |
The arena has 3,058 club seats and 36 luxury suites for premium ticket holders.
Amenities
Hertz Arena offers the following amenities:
- Multiple concession stands
- Full bar service
- Private club and restaurant
- Luxury suites
- Banquet facilities
- Parking for over 5,000 vehicles
Upcoming Events
Here are some of the events scheduled to take place at Hertz Arena in the upcoming months:
Date | Event |
---|---|
October 24, 2022 | Florida Everblades vs. Norfolk Admirals |
November 5, 2022 | Florida Everblades vs. Orlando Solar Bears |
November 18, 2022 | Trans-Siberian Orchestra |
December 15, 2022 | Mannheim Steamroller Christmas |
January 6, 2023 | Florida Everblades vs. Jacksonville Icemen |
January 21, 2023 | Monster Jam |
Be sure to check the Hertz Arena website for a full schedule of upcoming events and ticket availability.
Conclusion
In summary, Hertz Arena is a multi-use venue in southwest Florida that is best known as the home of minor league hockey’s Florida Everblades. Baseball’s Florida Fire Frogs also play there during the season. The arena hosts major concerts and other entertainment events as well throughout the year.
With a capacity of over 7,000 for sporting events and up to 10,000 for concerts, Hertz Arena brings significant entertainment options to the Estero and Fort Myers region. Upcoming events in late 2022 and 2023 include hockey games, concerts, motorsports, and more.
Hertz Arena provides southwest Florida sports fans and concertgoers with a convenient option to enjoy top-level entertainment close to home. The venue’s schedule offers something for fans of music, sports, family shows, and live events.
So if you are looking for things to do in southwest Florida, be sure to see what’s coming up on the calendar at Hertz Arena in Estero.
With minor league hockey and baseball teams calling the arena home, along with major concerts and shows taking place throughout the year, Hertz Arena brings high-quality entertainment to the Fort Myers region across a variety of genres and interests.