Lawlor Events Center, Reno

The Lawlor Events Center opened in 1983, stands as Northern Nevada’s largest indoor arena and a central fixture of the University of Nevada, Reno campus. Located at North Virginia and 15th Street, it was named in honor of Glenn “Jake” Lawlor, a longtime coach and athletic director. Designed by Casazza, Peetz & Associates and engineered by Walter P. Moore, the facility cost $26 million to build, funded through state slot taxes. The arena seats up to 12,000 attendees and spans more than 200,000 square feet, featuring a central oval configuration that provides excellent sightlines for sports and performances alike.

Home to the Nevada Wolf Pack men’s and women’s basketball teams, Lawlor has long hosted high-profile collegiate tournaments-from the Big West in the 1990s to the WAC in the 2000s. It has also been a site for NBA exhibition games featuring teams like the Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors, along with community staples like high school graduations and university commencements. Beyond sports, Lawlor’s flexible setup allows for large-scale concerts and smaller theater-style productions, with past performers including Prince, Metallica, Fleetwood Mac, and Cher.

Lawlor Events Center is not just a sports arena-it’s a versatile hub for conventions, meetings, and cultural events. The facility includes a dedicated meeting complex with eight rooms totaling 10,000 square feet, a spacious foyer, and modern amenities. Over the decades, it has undergone continuous upgrades, including the installation of high-tech scoreboards and new court flooring, preserving its relevance and appeal in the region.

Today, Lawlor remains a beloved gathering place for both students and Reno residents, offering a dynamic space where athletic pride, entertainment, and community converge.