Located in the heart of the City Center, the Mankato Civic Center, formerly Verizon Center, has established itself as one of the Midwest's premier centers for meetings, events, and entertainment. With our 6,500 seat Arena, 2,200 seat flexible Grand Hall, state-of-the-art Convention Center, and unique Reception and Banquet Halls, we can deliver any event that you can imagine. With over 70,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space, the Mankato Civic Center Center is equipped to host a multitude of events. Owned and operated by the City of Mankato, the Mankato Civic Center opened in 1995 with the hopes of revitalizing downtown Mankato, MN and generate a substantial regional economic impact. The economic impact now exceeds over $40,000,000+ annually. The Mankato Civic Center is also home to the Minnesota State University, Mankato Mavericks division one Men's and Women's hockey teams. The Mankato Civic Center staff also oversees the Vetter Stone Amphitheater at Riverfront Park. The Vetter Stone Amphitheater was named a top outdoor stage for concert goers in or near the Twin Cities and was recently named the fourth best outdoor music venue in Minnesota by the Star Tribune. The review complimented the amphitheater's tiered limestone slab seating, grass lawn and the location of its beer and food tents. Also cited, was the stage's theater-quality, woodsy setting and proximity to Mankato's historic downtown.