Clarksville celebrates new F&M Bank Arena with grand opening
F&M Bank Arena and Ford Ice Center Clarksville hosted a grand opening on Saturday, marking a new era in entertainment and community engagement for Clarksville and Montgomery County.
Downtown Clarksville was abuzz Saturday at the grand opening of F&M Bank, both in and outside the doors of the F&M Bank Arena.
As people anxiously waited for the doors to open for the grand opening, conversations of what the arena looks like inside, when the Austin Peay Governors teams would get a banner hung up in the new arena and what events they hope will be held were heard.
The morning began indoors as Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts and Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden were joined on stage by Gerald Harrison, Austin Peay State University's Vice President and Athletic Director, Sammy Stuard CEO of F&M Bank and CEO of Nashville predators, Sean Henry, who all shared their excitement with the new arena, and what it means for Clarksville.
"Growth in our community is undeniable, but that brings opportunity for projects, opportunity for jobs for our graduates and entertainment options and this will be the home for many of those," Pitts said.
"It is a great day to be a Gov, I am energized beyond compare," said Harrison as he got to the microphone. "I am so proud to be up here representing Austin Peay, and I want to be the first one to say it. Everyone say "Let's go, Peay!""
"This arena is going to host a lot of things," Golden said. "The memories the families in Clarksville, Montgomery County are going to make and have for a lifetime. This is something that's been coming for a long time, and we are so glad it's here."
After the ribbon cutting and confetiti began to fall on those close enough to the front, the crowd split as people got a close look at the new entertainment hub.
On the floor of the arena, a band played a mix of covers and original songs, kids took turns in the jump house and sitting in a chair as they got their faces painted, and a line formed as people waited to meet the APSU coaches.
In the middle of the court, the APSU mascot, the Governor, stood behind the 3-point line hyping up people as they stood in line to take their shots.
Nashville's Predators Gnash, Coca-Cola's polar bear and CDE Lightband's Louis the Lightening Bug walked around taking pictures with people exploring the new arena.
And season ticket holders were going down to find their seats.
One of those excited fans is Tonja Hill, APSU Governors Basketball season ticket holder. Hill recently moved to Clarksville from North Carolina and after one basketball game, she was hooked.
Another fan, Anthony Jones, is ready for the championship banners to hang from the ceiling.
"We're in a new conference and our teams are good," said Jones. "We're going to have banners in here soon."
It’s not only basketball fans who are looking forward to the new arena.
"We'll be here the first game of the season," Hill said in her red APSU shirt. "We're all a part of something that's going to be big for the community."
As the Paw Patrol and Disney on Ice ads played on the jumbotron, families walking around talked about how nice it'll be to be able to watch these shows without going to Nashville.
Rasheeda Reeves and her family are one of those excited families who are happy to no longer have to travel to Nashville to enjoy shows for kids.
"My kids wanted to go to Disney on Ice, but my mom isn't comfortable driving to Nashville," Reeves said.
With an arena now in Clarksville, her whole family is able to come and enjoy the events without wondering how and if anyone wants to go to Nashville.
"My mom will be here at the show with us," said Reeves smiling."Knowing that we'll get that experience and more is exciting."
The grand opening festivities continued all day with a chance to meet APSU coaches and players, a scavenger hunt and free skating at the Ford Ice Center until 3 p.m. but the excitement for the future of entertainment in Clarksville surely will continue for years to come.
What's next at the arena?
While F&M Bank Arena will be home to the Austin Peay Governors Men and Women's Basketball teams this fall, that's not all you can expect to see there.
"We go from there's nothing to do in Clarksville to what do I do in Clarksville," said Pitts.
Ice hockey, cartoon heroes and county music stars have already been added to the F&M Bank Arena's calendar, with more sure to come. Here's what on the schedule so far:
3Ice
F&M Bank Arena describes 3Ice Hockey as 3 versus 3 with "The speed and skill you love from the NHLs OT...but NON-STOP!"
The games between four teams will begin at 7 p.m. on Aug. 2. Tickets are available on Ticketmaster.
Disney on Ice presents Find Your Hero
Disney on Ice will feature Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, Mirabel, Olaf and more will be in Clarksville telling the tales of what it means to be a hero.
Disney on Ice will have five shows in Clarksville, beginning Sept. 8 at 7 p.m. and run until Sept. 10 at 1 p.m. You can get tickets on the F&M Bank Arena's website or on Ticketmaster.
Justin Moore
County music star Justin Moore is set to be the first concert at F&M Bank Arena.
The Arkansas native brings his "You, Me and Whiskey" tour to Clarksville on Aug. 15, with special guest Tyler Braden following the release of his seventh studio album in May.
Tickets for the show are already on sale and can be found on Ticketmaster.
Paw Patrol Live!
Ryder, Chase, Skye and the rest of the Paw Patrol are setting sail on a pirate adventure to discover secret treasure in Clarksville. The pups will be trying to save the day from Mayor Humdinger on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1.
Tickets for this event go on sale July 21, 2023, at 10 a.m. on Ticketmaster.
A correction has been made to the story. An earlier version misspelled Sammy Stuard and labeled him as the CEO of F&M Bank Arena.
This article originally appeared on Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle: Clarksville celebrates new F&M Bank Arena with grand opening
