The Appalachian Wireless Arena in Pikeville, Kentucky is a multi-purpose arena that hosts various sporting events, concerts, and community gatherings. The arena opened in 2005 and has been a centerpiece of downtown Pikeville ever since. But who actually owns and operates this important local venue? Let’s take a look at the ownership and management behind the Appalachian Wireless Arena.
The Arena’s Origins
The Appalachian Wireless Arena was first proposed in the 1990s as part of an effort to revitalize downtown Pikeville. The original plan called for a convention center, hotel, and arena to help attract events and business to the area. Funding for the $30 million project came from a combination of state and federal grants along with investments from local governments and businesses.
A key business partner was Appalachian Wireless, a regional telecommunications provider based in Kentucky. Appalachian Wireless purchased the naming rights to the arena in a 10-year, $1 million deal. This allowed construction on the arena to begin in 2004, with Appalachian Wireless becoming the namesake for the new venue.
Arena Ownership and Management
The Appalachian Wireless Arena itself is owned by the City of Pikeville and Pike County. These local government entitiesoversee the financing and maintenance of the arena through their annual budgets and policies. The Eastern Kentucky Exposition Center Corporation Board manages day-to-day operations, booking, staffing, and promotional activities.
This public-private arrangement allows community leaders to maintain oversight of this important asset while utilizing private sector experience in managing events facilities. The Expo Center Board includes city and county officials along with community members and business leaders.
In 2011, the Pikeville Medical Center took over the naming rights to the arena in an agreement worth $1.6 million over 10 years. The move renamed the venue the Eastern Kentucky Expo Center, reflecting the growing role of the Pikeville Medical Center in the community. After those naming rights expired in 2021, the facility returned to its original name, the Appalachian Wireless Arena.
Financing and Operating Costs
The total construction costs for the Appalachian Wireless Arena exceeded $30 million. Funding came from multiple sources:
- $15 million in federal grant funds
- $5.5 million from the Commonwealth of Kentucky
- $4.5 million from Pike County
- $3 million from the City of Pikeville
- $1 million from Appalachian Wireless for naming rights
Ongoing operating expenses are also shared by the city and county governments. In recent budget years, the governments have each contributed between $175,000 to $250,000 annually for maintenance, utilities, and staffing at the arena.
| Fiscal Year | City Contribution | County Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| 2017-18 | $175,000 | $175,000 |
| 2018-19 | $225,000 | $225,000 |
| 2019-20 | $250,000 | $250,000 |
These public funds form the core budget for arena activities and maintenance. Additional revenue comes from rental fees, ticket sales, concessions, and other streams. In total, the Appalachian Wireless Arena generates around $2 million in economic impact each year according to local economic estimates.
Arena Use and Events
The Appalachian Wireless Arena hosts a wide range of community and sporting events throughout the year. The main arena floor has over 7,000 fixed seats plus additional space for conventions, trade shows, and concerts. There is also an attached conference center with breakout rooms.
Here are some of the key events and uses of the arena:
- Home arena for the University of Pikeville basketball and volleyball teams
- Concerts featuring national and regional acts
- Youth sporting events including basketball tournaments and wrestling meets
- Community events such as high school graduations and dance recitals
- Conventions, conferences, and trade shows
- Comedy performances
- Monster truck rallies and similar motorsport events
The arena has hosted artists like Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top, MercyMe, and Black Stone Cherry. It also holds events for local organizations such as the Pike County Expo, antique car shows, and charity fundraisers.
With downtown Pikeville undergoing more recent revitalization, the Appalachian Wireless Arena remains an anchor of community activity. It continues to bring in visitors and entertain residents while serving as a venue for major gatherings and downtown attractions.
Economic Impact
The Appalachian Wireless Arena provides a measurable economic boost to Pikeville and Pike County. A 2016 study estimated that the arena:
- Contributes $1.9 million annually in direct economic impact
- Drives over $775,000 each year in payroll
- Creates and sustains 38 jobs in relation to arena activities
- Generates $106,000 yearly in tax revenues across state and local levels
- Results in about $250,000 in annual tax revenues from visitor spending related to arena events
These impacts demonstrate how the facility supports jobs and growth in the community. Ongoing investments by the city, county, and private partners ensure the arena continues operating and attracting events to Pikeville.
Future Development
Looking ahead, several projects are in the works to expand or improve the Appalachian Wireless Arena. These include:
- Exhibition Hall – A new 30,000 square foot exhibition hall next to the arena is slated for construction in 2023-24. The $13 million project will create more space for conventions, trade shows, and community events.
- Arena Upgrades – Plans are in place to modernize lighting, air conditioning, concessions, and seating areas inside the main arena bowl in coming years.
- Office Buildings – A private developer is proposing office buildings around the arena site as part of broader downtown development.
Local leaders are also working to book more shows and tournaments. The goal is to schedule 150-200 event days annually at the arena and exhibition hall complex once upgrades are complete. This increased scheduling will maximize the community impact of the facility.
Conclusion
The Appalachian Wireless Arena has been a core asset for Pikeville and Pike County since opening in 2005. The city and county jointly own the arena and contribute funds each year toward operations and maintenance. The Eastern Kentucky Exposition Center Corporation manages event booking and activities. Thousands of visitors attend sports, convention, and entertainment events at the arena annually, leading to a positive economic impact on local jobs, taxes, and business. Planned upgrades and expansions will continue keeping the Appalachian Wireless Arena a modern community anchor for downtown Pikeville for years to come.