Acrisure Arena opened in December 2022, bringing top-notch entertainment and exciting hockey to the greater Palm Springs area. I was there for opening night and have since attended many events at the arena, including Coachella Valley Firebirds games, concerts and comedy shows. In my humble opinion, Acrisure Arena has been a fantastic addition to our desert. Read on to find out why.

Originally published January 2023. Updated September 2026 with new information and firsthand experiences.

Acrisure Arena is an Amazing Venue

Cool, crisp air hits you as you walk through the doors of Acrisure Arena. Despite its size, the arena feels surprisingly intimate, and I’ve found there really isn’t a bad view in the house. The seats are comfortable, with cup holders and enough space that you don’t feel like you’re sitting on your neighbor’s lap. There are plenty of restrooms, including eight all-gender/family restrooms, and the staff has always been friendly and helpful.

The Coachella Valley Firebirds Light Up the Desert

I didn’t know much about hockey when I enlisted a buddy from North Dakota to join me for my first Coachella Valley Firebirds game. As it turns out, being a hockey novice didn’t matter. I had a blast! The game is fast-moving, music pumps up the crowd between plays, and rooting for the home team creates an instant sense of camaraderie. After attending many more games over the years, I can safely say the excitement hasn’t worn off.

The Coachella Valley Firebirds are the American Hockey League affiliate of the NHL’s Seattle Kraken and have called Acrisure Arena home since their inaugural 2022-23 season. In just a few short years, the Firebirds have become an exciting part of the Coachella Valley sports and entertainment scene.

Meet Fuego

Fuego has become much more than the mascot of the Coachella Valley Firebirds. He’s a huge part of the game-day experience and has become a familiar face throughout the Coachella Valley.

At the games, you’ll find Fuego roaming the arena, posing for photos, banging his drum to get the crowd fired up and taking part in the entertainment between periods. He’s also known for launching T-shirts into the stands, and trust me, Fuego has quite an arm!

His role extends beyond Acrisure Arena, too. Fuego makes appearances at events throughout the Valley and participates in the Firebirds’ community programs, including initiatives for local children and schools.

Keep an eye out for him when you’re at a game. He’s hard to miss and a big part of what makes a Firebirds game so much fun. You can also follow Fuego on Facebook to see where he pops up next.

Acrisure Arena Brings Top-Notch Entertainment to the Valley

My first experience at Acrisure Arena was a memorable one. I was there on opening night, December 14, 2022, when Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle took the stage. I laughed so hard that night, and despite a few opening-night hiccups, I walked away with a great first impression of the Valley’s new arena.

Since then, I’ve been back many, many times. I’ve seen artists including Justin Timberlake, Duran Duran and Weezer, along with comedy shows, hockey games and other events. One of the things I appreciate most about Acrisure Arena is the variety. The calendar goes well beyond concerts and hockey, with comedy, family shows, sporting events and special events throughout the year.

The experience often starts before you even walk through the doors. I’ve enjoyed live entertainment outside the arena before shows, including local performers like DJ Modgirl before Duran Duran. It gives the night a fun, festive feel before the main event even begins.

For those looking to upgrade their night out, Acrisure Arena has also added The Compound, an outdoor premium space with fire pits, a putting green, pickleball, basketball and bocce courts, plus food and beverage options. I haven’t experienced The Compound myself yet, but it’s another example of how the arena continues to expand the experience beyond the event itself.

More than three years after opening night, Acrisure Arena has proven that year-round entertainment can thrive in the desert. Check the Acrisure Arena event calendar to see what’s coming up next.

Acrisure Arena Offers Plenty of Food and Drink Choices

Food and drinks are part of the experience at Acrisure Arena, with options both on the outdoor patio and throughout the main concourse. One thing I especially like is the arena’s focus on local Coachella Valley businesses alongside more familiar arena fare.

The food choices have changed and expanded over the years. On a recent visit, I tried Sumo Dog, which puts a Japanese-inspired spin on the classic hot dog. Another longtime favorite is E&E Pels’ frozen lemonade. It’s refreshing on its own, but for the adults, adding a shot of vodka or tequila takes it up a notch!

There are plenty of drink choices, too, including full-service bars and convenient grab-and-go areas stocked with beer, wine, seltzers and other beverages. Concerts often feature a themed cocktail created for the artist or event, which is a fun touch. Drinks aren’t cheap but keep an eye out for event specials. One thing to know before you go: Acrisure Arena is cashless, so leave the cash at home.

For Firebirds games, two of my favorite spots are the end-stage bars overlooking the arena. You can grab a drink without completely missing the action. Just keep in mind that these areas aren’t typically open for concerts.

A Few More Things to Know Before You Go

Before heading to Acrisure Arena, here are a few things I’ve learned after attending events there over the years.

Don’t forget about the Berger Foundation Iceplex. Located next to the arena, the NHL-sized rink is open to the public and offers public skating, skating lessons, hockey programs, Stick & Puck sessions and more. You can even book the space for birthday parties, group outings and corporate events. Check the Berger Foundation Iceplex calendar for current programs and public skating times.

Plan ahead for parking. Parking prices vary depending on the event, with Firebirds games generally among the more affordable options. I highly recommend purchasing parking online before you arrive. You can pay when you get there, but having it taken care of ahead of time makes the arrival process much easier.

With thousands of cars leaving after a sold-out event, getting out of the general parking lots can sometimes take a while. If you have the opportunity to purchase VIP parking, I think it’s worth considering. I’ve found VIP Lot A especially convenient because you can get out remarkably quickly after an event.

And what a difference a few years makes! I attended the arena’s opening night in December 2022, when parking and traffic were admittedly a bit of a nightmare. After attending many events since then, I can say the parking operation has improved tremendously.

Arrive early and enjoy the experience. With entertainment often happening outside before events, there’s no reason to cut your arrival too close. Tailgating isn’t permitted, so save the party for inside and around the arena.

Bring a layer. It might seem obvious for a hockey game, but I’ve found the arena can be chilly during concerts, too. A light jacket is never a bad idea.

And if skating sounds like more fun than watching from the stands, head next door to the Berger Foundation Iceplex and give it a try yourself.

Have you been to a Firebirds game, concert or other event at Acrisure Arena? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below.

Looking for more ways to get out of the house? Explore my latest travel and lifestyle adventures for more places to go, things to do and experiences worth getting out of the house for.