Looking for a fun concert venue in the Midwest? Check out the events calendar at Scheels Arena in Fargo, ND.
I’ve written over the last few posts about all of the fun places to eat (Sandy’s Donuts), get a drink (Toasted Frog), where to stay (Jasper Hotel), and things to do in Fargo, ND. While we had a great time doing all of these things, the primary reason for our trip to Fargo was one single event. A Jeff Dunham comedy show at Scheels Arena.
Why Scheels Arena? Good question. We really wanted to get tickets to his show but the dates in Minneapolis did not work with our schedule. After a quick Ticketmaster search for other dates in the area, we thought why not check out Scheels Arena? So we bought the tickets and planned a weekend getaway.
Since I had never been to the arena before I was not sure what to expect. I did a Google search but not much information was available. This post is to help anyone else curious about attending an event at Scheels Arena.
Keep reading for more.
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Where is Scheels Arena located?
Scheels Arena is located in the southwest corner of Fargo, North Dakota, between 45th Street and Veteran’s Boulevard. Whether you’re gearing up for a thrilling concert, a heart-pounding hockey game, or a special event like the Jeff Dunham Comedy Show, Scheels Arena promises a memorable time for attendees.
Is there parking available?
Conveniently located in Fargo, Scheels Arena is easily accessible, making it hassle-free for attendees to reach the venue. Ample parking space is available, and public transportation options are nearby. There are only a couple of entrances, however.
We found a long backup of traffic trying to get into the parking lot. There were several attendants directing traffic and taking money. The cost of parking differs based on the event. We paid $10.
There are not enough parking spots on the paved lot but they open up parking in the grassy areas as well. Follow the attendant’s directions for where to park.
The event was sold out and there seemed to be enough parking for all patrons. Plan ahead though as traffic is slow going.
What to expect at Scheels Arena?
Whether you’re attending a concert or a sports event, Scheels Arena is equipped with impressive acoustics and visuals. It can seat up to 6,000 for a concert and 5,000 for a sporting event. This means it is big enough to bring in some great musicians and performers, but still feels quaint and you can be closer to the stage than a big venue like Xcel Energy Center in St Paul.
Since we were there for a comedy show, I can’t really vouch for the acoustics of a concert. But the sound was great for the event we attended. It seemed to be set up in a way that would be great for concerts. The high-definition screens around the arena enhanced the visuals but the intimate nature of the venue made it so I really didn’t need the screens to enjoy the show.
Scheels Arena was built for the primary purpose of hockey games so it is set up as such. This means there are no bathrooms or concessions available on the floor seating area. Guests will need to walk up the stairs to the main concourse to access these amenities.
Keep that in mind if you are buying tickets in the bowl area as well. Our seats were on the aisle of a main route to the floor seats so not only did we have people in our section walking by constantly, but we also had people with floor seats walking past throughout the show as well.
What is Security like at Scheels Arena?
According to the website, attendee safety is a top priority at Scheels Arena. Bag checks and screening procedures may be implemented, so it’s advisable to arrive with ample time to allow for these necessary measures.
For the Jeff Dunham show we attended, there were the standard metal detectors you needed to walk through but small bags were not checked. This surprised me as I’m used to going to events at larger venues where bags are always checked if they are even allowed. Larger bags were being checked but it was up to the discretion of each security guard.
Are there food and drink options?
Yes there are concession stands that offer a diverse range of food and beverage options, ensuring there’s something for every taste. When I was there, it was an afternoon matinee so not as many food stands were open as were available for I assume sporting events or evening shows.
There were a lot of snack options for our event. The roasted nuts smelled amazing, and there were of course normal standards like nachos, popcorn, and soft pretzels.
There were several stands set up with beverages as well. You could order a beer at most of the food stands, and there were several small bars set up around the perimeter where you could order some mixed drinks, beer, wine, and hard seltzers.
Prices seemed reasonable relative to other venues I’ve been to.
Why Scheels Arena is a great venue for events.
Attending an event at Scheels Arena is one of my top choices for local venues. I love the smaller location where you can be closer to the stage without paying for front-row seats. The facilities are comfortable and modern. The security process was quick and easy. And with ample parking, there is no need to worry about getting there super early to get a spot. I truly enjoyed my experience at Scheels Arena and I know you will too.
Happy travels and remember the world is full of adventures all around you. Get out there and explore!
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