CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – F&M Bank Arena and Ford Ice Center Clarksville will host a Grand Opening Celebration on Saturday July 15, with a complete tour of the entire facility, plus fun and games for the kids.

“The time has officially come to open F&M Bank Arena and Ford Ice Center Clarksville to the Clarksville and Montgomery County community,” General Manager of F&M Bank Arena Kylie Wilkerson said in a news release. “This grand-opening event marks the culmination of years of hard work, and we look forward to providing unforgettable experiences for guests for years to come.”

Located downtown, F&M Bank Arena and Ford Ice Center Clarksville will host sports events and live entertainment, including Austin Peay men’s and women’s basketball. The Grand Opening Celebration starts with a Ribbon Cutting on the Second and College Street Plaza at 11 a.m., and the festivities run through the afternoon, concluding at 3 p.m.

“The Grand Opening celebration is set to ignite Clarksville with a whirlwind of festivities, fun, and unforgettable moments,” SS&E Vice President & General Manager Danny Butler said in the release. “This event isn’t just about a venue – it’s a highly anticipated celebration that will reverberate throughout our community.”

Highlights of the Grand Opening Celebration include:

  • Ribbon Cutting: Join us at 11 a.m. for a Ribbon Cutting to officially open the doors to F&M Bank Arena.
  • Explore the Arena: No hard hats needed. Explore all levels of the completed arena, visit partner activations throughout the concourse and pick your seats for the 2023-24 APSU Basketball Season.
  • Family-Friendly Activities: F&M Bank Arena welcomes families to join the celebration with a range of activities suitable for all ages. Enjoy a Kids Zone on the Arena floor with inflatables, coloring, face paint and much more.
  • Austin Peay Basketball: Shoot around in the Austin Peay basketball practice facility and then head over to the main court to meet the coaches. Try your luck at the Three-Point Shooting Contest and score a pair of tickets to the first Austin Peay basketball game in F&M Bank Arena.
  • Ford Ice Center Clarksville: Join us for a Public Skate presented by Shelby’s Trio at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Lucky guests will score free tickets to 3ICE on Aug. 2, the high speed 3-on-3 hockey league coming to Clarksville. Don’t miss the Little Preds Opening Jam Grand Game at 1:15 p.m.
  • Concessions: Get a first taste of the food and drink offerings that will be available during events. The menu will include hot chicken, patty melts, smoked chicken nachos, cheesesteak, barbecue mac and cheese, smoked barbecued bologna sandwiches, and specialty hot dogs.
  • Backstage Access: This is your chance to get a peek at the backstage area of F&M Bank Arena where all the stars will be hanging out when they head to Clarksville. Don’t miss your chance to get your photo taken next to the backstage marquee and feel like you’re a part of the show.

“Years of vision, dedication and hard work have led to this special day for Clarksville, Montgomery County,” Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden said. “We encourage everybody to come down for the celebration to assist in creating the first of many special memories that are to be made at F&M Bank Arena.”

Visit myfmbankarena.com for all arena policies and procedures. Approved bags: medical bags, parenting bags, clear Bags (12” x 12” x 6”) and non-clear bags (6.5” x 4.5” or smaller) will be permitted following screening.