December 27, 2024 – Little Rock, Arkansas –
The Little Rock Lightning, a franchise that has quickly become a centerpiece of basketball in Central Arkansas since its founding in 2020, is embarking on a project that could reshape the city’s landscape. On Thursday, the team announced plans to build a $30 million arena—a facility that promises to be as much about community as it is about basketball. This isn’t just an arena. It’s a 2,500-seat structure designed with five luxury boxes and a Legends Room for fans and special guests, but its most important features might be the classrooms. Those spaces will host after-school programs aimed at empowering young people in Little Rock, offering them tools like financial literacy training and academic support. It’s an approach that transcends the typical idea of a sports facility and speaks to the team’s broader mission of community upliftment.
Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. captured the broader vision behind the project. “The foundations of a strong and thriving City are the entrepreneurs whose innovations and outreach support sustainable, long-term growth,” he said. “This arena project is a perfect example of how an organization can improve quality of life and benefit the community. We are excited about the opportunities that await our city and its young people with the construction of this new arena.” For the Lightning, this project goes far beyond basketball. The team plans to host 15 home games a year in the new space, but the arena’s goals reach much deeper into the city’s social fabric. It’s designed to serve as a gathering place, a venue where sports and education meet, and where kids can find inspiration.
State Representative Tara Shephard framed it as a beacon of hope. “The Lightning Arena will be a beacon of hope and opportunity—a place where kids can dream big, the community can come together, and partnerships can thrive,” she said. “Together, we are building more than an arena; we are building a legacy for Little Rock.” Andrea Lewis, Ward 6 City Director, underscored the project’s focus on youth and education. “This initiative is about more than building a facility; it’s about creating opportunities, empowering our youth, and strengthening the fabric of our neighborhoods and beyond,” she said. For Lewis, the project represents an investment not just in bricks and mortar, but in people and possibilities. The Lightning are also rallying the community to play a direct role in the project through their “Brick by Brick” campaign. Supporters can purchase personalized engraved bricks that will be incorporated into the walkway leading to the arena’s main entrance. These bricks will also be displayed on a Hall of Fame Wall inside the facility, creating a permanent symbol of the community’s involvement. The campaign invites fans to leave their mark on the arena while contributing to the realization of a project designed to uplift Little Rock.
Economic impact is another significant aspect of the Lightning Arena’s promise. From construction jobs to permanent roles once the doors open, the project is poised to inject a new energy into the local economy. Officials have expressed optimism about the ripple effects it could have, from spurring small business growth to increasing tourism. Construction is set to begin in early 2025, with the grand opening planned for the end of 2026. It’s a tight timeline for a project of this scale, but the vision is clear. The Lightning and their partners aim to create a venue that not only amplifies the excitement of basketball in Central Arkansas but also leaves an indelible mark on the city’s future. For now, the focus is on laying the groundwork—literally and figuratively. With the “Brick by Brick” campaign symbolizing the collective effort of the community, the Lightning are building more than just a facility. They’re building a beacon of hope, a center of opportunity, and a legacy that will resonate far beyond the basketball court. Little Rock is preparing to welcome an arena that will stand as a testament to the power of dreaming big, playing hard, and building something that truly lasts.
