Yes, cash is accepted for purchases at Simmons Bank Arena in North Little Rock, Arkansas. The multi-purpose arena allows attendees to pay with cash at concession stands, merchandise shops, and box offices. However, using cashless payment methods like credit/debit cards and mobile payments may be more convenient.
Overview of Simmons Bank Arena
Simmons Bank Arena (formerly Verizon Arena and Alltel Arena) is a large indoor arena located in North Little Rock, Arkansas. The arena has a seating capacity of 18,000 for basketball games and up to 19,000 for concerts.
Simmons Bank Arena hosts various events throughout the year including:
- University of Arkansas and Arkansas State University basketball games
- Concerts
- Family shows like Disney on Ice
- Rodeos
- Motorsports events
- Professional wrestling
The arena first opened in 1999 and was known as Alltel Arena until 2007 when the naming rights were acquired by Verizon Wireless. In 2016, the naming rights changed again to Simmons Bank Arena.
Paying with Cash
Cash is accepted as a payment method throughout Simmons Bank Arena for food, drinks, merchandise, and tickets when available. Here are some key areas where you can pay with cash:
Concession Stands
There are over 20 concession stands located on the concourse offering standard arena fare like hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, candy, and soft drinks. All stands accept cash for purchases. Prices range from $3-$8 for snacks and $5-$12 for larger combo meals.
Beer Stands
For adults, there are dedicated beer stands selling draft and bottled beer. These stands accept cash only, with most beers priced between $8-$12 each. You must be 21+ and show valid ID to purchase alcohol.
Merchandise & Team Shops
The arena has merchandise shops on the concourse that sell apparel and items for events held at the arena. For example, there are shops selling Arkansas Razorbacks gear when they play basketball games. All merchandise shops take cash payments.
Box Office
The main box office located on the north side of the arena accepts cash for tickets to events happening that day. If tickets are still available, you can purchase them with cash right at the box office. Credit cards are also accepted.
Benefits of Paying Cash
Here are some potential benefits to paying with cash at Simmons Bank Arena:
- Cash is widely accepted – You don’t have to worry about your payment method being rejected when using physical bills and coins.
- Avoid card transaction fees – Some vendors charge extra fees for credit/debit card purchases to offset processing costs.
- Spend only what you have – Paying cash can help you stick to a budget since you can only spend the cash amount you bring.
- Shorter lines – Cash payments are fast and don’t require electronic processing, so may be faster when lines are long.
- Consumer privacy – Cash transactions don’t produce receipt records like cards, so are more private.
Potential Downsides of Cash
However, there are also some downsides to be aware of when paying with cash:
- Carrying large amounts of cash can be risky – Cash can be lost or stolen.
- No consumer protections – Transactions are final with cash. Receipts should be saved.
- Less convenient – Must make sure to bring enough physical cash when attending events.
- Harder budget tracking – More effort required to track cash spending compared to card statements.
- Cannot tap/go contactless – Cash lacks the speed and convenience of contactless payments.
Tips for Paying Cash
If you plan to use cash at Simmons Bank Arena, here are some tips:
- Take out cash beforehand – Use an ATM to get cash before arriving at the venue.
- Separate large bills – Keep big bills separate from smaller ones for easier spending.
- Request change – Ask for lower denominations when making purchases to receive change back.
- Use exact change – Having the exact cash amount speeds up transactions and reduces change needed.
- Keep receipts – Hold onto receipts to track spending and for consumer protection records.
- Split up cash – Keep cash across pockets/bags to avoid losing it all at once.
Other Payment Options
In addition to cash, Simmons Bank Arena also accepts:
- Credit cards – All major credit cards are taken including Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover.
- Debit/ATM cards – Debit cards with a major card logo can be used just like a credit card.
- Mobile payments – Mobile wallet services like Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted at most stands.
- Gift cards – Purchased gift cards can be used at eligible merchants.
Using a card or mobile payment is convenient as you don’t need to carry cash and transactions are quick. However, be aware these methods incur more consumer data collection.
Locating ATMs
If you need to take out cash once inside Simmons Bank Arena, there are over 10 ATMs available throughout the concourses. Here is a table of some of the major ATM locations within the arena:
| ATM Location | Nearest Section(s) |
|---|---|
| Main Box Office | 1-12 |
| North Concourse | 300 Level |
| Southwest Entry | 100-118 |
| Southeast Concourse | 200 Level |
These ATMs will have fees for withdrawals, generally $3-5 per transaction. Make sure to check with your bank on foreign ATM fees they may charge as well.
Conclusion
Cash continues to be a payment option accepted throughout Simmons Bank Arena for concessions, merchandise, and ticketing. While using cash has benefits like wider acceptance and avoiding card fees, it also comes with downsides like security risks and lack of consumer protections. Making sure to take out enough cash beforehand and keeping it divided across wallets and pockets is advised. Otherwise, cards and mobile payments provide a convenient alternative with more tracking, but less privacy. Whichever payment method you choose, Simmons Bank Arena aims to provide quick service to fans enjoying events at the venue.