America First Event Center

D-I
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America First Event Center is a basketball arena in Cedar City, Utah, home of the Southern Utah Thunderbirds (Big Sky, NCAA Division I). It opened in 1985, making it 41 years old in 2026 and seats 5,300 for basketball. It ranks 7th of 11 in the Big Sky by capacity.

Moved from WAC to Big Sky in 2026. The closest NBA arena is Delta Center in Salt Lake City, about 219 miles away.

Arena facts

Location
Cedar City, Utah
Home of
Southern Utah Thunderbirds (D-I)
School
Southern Utah University
Conference
Big Sky
Opened
1985
Capacity
5,300
Size rank in D-I
212th of 360

Plan your trip to America First Event Center

Hotels near America First Event CenterBook a stay for game night on ExpediaSouthern Utah Thunderbirds ticketsFind seats for home gamesParkingLots and garages near the arenaDirectionsMap to America First Event CenterTours & things to do in Cedar CityArena tours, sightseeing and more on ExpediaFood & drinks nearbyPregame spots near the arena

Arenas near America First Event Center10

  1. 1D-IBurns Arena — Utah Tech Trailblazers (St. George, Utah)49 mi
  2. 2D-IThomas & Mack Center — UNLV Runnin' Rebels (Paradise, Nevada)157 mi
  3. 3WNBAMichelob Ultra Arena — Las Vegas Aces (Las Vegas, Nevada)160 mi
  4. 4D-IWalkup Skydome — Northern Arizona Lumberjacks (Flagstaff, Arizona)189 mi
  5. 5D-IMarriott Center — BYU Cougars (Provo, Utah)193 mi
  6. 6D-IUCCU Center — Utah Valley Wolverines (Orem, Utah)194 mi
  7. 7G LeagueMaverik Center — Salt Lake City Stars (West Valley City, Utah)217 mi
  8. 8NBADelta Center — Utah Jazz (Salt Lake City, Utah)219 mi
  9. 9D-IJon M. Huntsman Center — Utah Utes (Salt Lake City, Utah)219 mi
  10. 10D-IDee Events Center — Weber State Wildcats (Ogden, Utah)253 mi

Questions about America First Event Center

Where do the Southern Utah Thunderbirds play home games?

The Southern Utah Thunderbirds play at America First Event Center in Cedar City, Utah.

How many people does America First Event Center hold?

America First Event Center seats 5,300 for basketball.

When did America First Event Center open?

America First Event Center opened in 1985.

What other arenas are near America First Event Center?

Burns Arena in St. George is about 49 miles away. See the full list of nearby arenas on this page.

Facts are for the 2026–27 season. Distances are straight-line miles between city centers. Capacity figures vary by source. See something wrong? Let us know. Is this your arena? Get the “Listed on Hoops Arenas” badge for your website.