The arena on the corner of State and Exchange streets in Binghamton has been filling seats since 1973, and the walls have absorbed enough history to justify whatever name happens to be on the building this decade. Chicago played the first concert here on June 13, 1973, with a young Bruce Springsteen as the opening act. Elvis Presley played back-to-back sold-out shows on May 26 and 27, 1977 — three months before his death. The Grateful Dead’s 1977 performance was released as a live album. Phish’s 1995 show got the same treatment. The Grateful Dead, AC/DC, Metallica, Fleetwood Mac, Bob Dylan, Aerosmith, Van Halen, The Eagles, and Phish have all come through. For a 7,200-seat arena in the Southern Tier, the concert ledger is absurdly deep.
The building has been the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena, the Floyd L. Maines Veterans Memorial Arena (2014-2020), and — since January 1, 2021 — Visions Veterans Memorial Arena, after Visions Federal Credit Union took over the naming rights. Locals still call it “The Arena” regardless of what is on the sign. The building does not care what you call it. It just keeps booking shows.
The Building
At 7,200 seats, Visions Arena is the largest indoor entertainment venue in the Southern Tier. The arena bowl is compact and steep, which means even the upper sections maintain sightlines to the stage. The building was designed in the early 1970s as a multi-purpose arena — hockey, basketball, concerts, and community events — and the configuration flexes accordingly. For concerts, the floor opens for seating or general admission standing depending on the tour, pushing effective capacity higher for the right show.
The acoustics are what you expect from a 1970s arena — functional, not refined. Amplified rock, country, and hip-hop translate well. The room fills with energy when the crowd is engaged, and the enclosed bowl keeps sound from dissipating. For quieter, more dynamic performances, the lower bowl center sections deliver the best experience.
The arena sits in the heart of downtown Binghamton, integrated into the city center rather than stranded in a suburban parking lot. That urban location is an advantage — restaurants, bars, and the city’s walkable downtown are all within a few blocks.
Who Plays Here
The booking history punches well above the market size. Beyond the legends — Elvis, The Dead, AC/DC, Dylan, Elton John, Cher, Dolly Parton — the arena continues to attract national touring acts across genres. Country tours treat Binghamton as a Southern Tier stop between Syracuse and the Pennsylvania markets. Rock, classic rock, and comedy rotate through regularly. Wrestling, family shows, and special events fill the gaps.
The arena’s position on I-81 — roughly halfway between Syracuse and Scranton — gives it strategic value for tours routing through the Northeast. Acts that might skip a 7,200-seat market in isolation find that Binghamton fills a useful gap in the schedule, drawing from Broome County, the rest of the Southern Tier, and the Northern Tier of Pennsylvania.
Getting There
The arena is at 1 Stuart Street in downtown Binghamton, directly accessible from I-81 (Exit 5 for downtown). From Syracuse, it is about an hour south on I-81. From the Capital Region, plan on two hours via I-88 West. From Scranton, roughly 60 minutes north on I-81.
Parking is available in municipal lots and garages surrounding the arena in downtown Binghamton. The State Street parking garage is the closest and most convenient. Street parking is also available on surrounding blocks. Parking rates are modest by arena standards, and downtown Binghamton does not have the congestion issues of larger cities — in and out is straightforward even on sold-out nights.
The Binghamton Scene
Downtown Binghamton’s restaurant and bar scene has grown steadily, and the arena’s central location puts you within walking distance of several solid options.
The Colonial on Court Street is the pre-show standby — a neighborhood bar and restaurant with a full menu, craft beer, and the kind of casual energy that draws concert crowds and locals in equal measure. Dos Rios Cantina on State Street does creative Mexican fare with a tequila-heavy cocktail program in a lively setting that fills up on event nights. For something more refined, Number 5 Restaurant on South Washington Street serves contemporary American in a restored historic building — one of the best upscale dining experiences in the Southern Tier.
Insider Tips
- Lower bowl center is the sweet spot. The arena’s compact size means upper sections are fine, but the lower bowl center offers the best balance of sightlines and sound.
- The Elvis connection. Those May 1977 shows were among the last concerts Elvis ever performed. If you are in the building, you are standing where The King stood.
- Downtown is walkable. Park in the State Street garage and you are within walking distance of the arena, restaurants, and bars. No need to move your car between dinner and the show.
- I-81 makes it accessible. Binghamton is equidistant from Syracuse and Scranton, making the arena a realistic option from either direction.
- Check the Forum Theatre too. The Broome County Forum Theatre, next door to the arena, hosts more intimate shows in a 1,500-seat setting. Both venues are managed together.
View the full event schedule and purchase tickets at broomearenaforum.com.