Photos by Ben Alkaly Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14
Great Southern Bank Arena 685 S John Q. Hammons Pkwy Springfield, MO 65897
Year Opened: 2008
Capacity: 11,000
Big-Time Arena in a Small City
Springfield, MO, serves as the gateway to the scenic Ozarks of southwest Missouri and northern Arkansas. Still, there are a few reasons to stop in town instead of just passing through on the way to natural wonders … One of them being college basketball in a pro-style venue.
The Missouri State Bears of the Missouri Valley Conference (moving to Conference USA in mid-2025 as the school steps up to FBS status) ply their trade in Great Southern Bank Arena, an 11,000-seat gem opened in 2008 in the northwest corner of campus. True to Springfield’s roots straddling the Midwest and South, in 2024 the venue also became home to the Missouri Thunder of the Pro Bull Riders Team Series. The venue also hosts a robust concert calendar.
Make no mistake, however, college hoops are king – and queen – in these parts. Most of the Bears’ success in men’s basketball came when the program was named Southwest Missouri State before a 2005 rebranding. The Bears were four-time NCAA tournament runners-up at the Division 2 level (1959, 1967, 1969, and 1974), and have been to the Big Dance six times since moving up to D1, the last being a magical run to the Sweet 16 as a No. 12 seed in 1999. Winston Garland is the most accomplished Mizzou State pro, enjoying a nine-year NBA career after being drafted in the second round in 1987. His is one of five men’s hoops jerseys hanging in the rafters.
However, the name most synonymous with Missouri State Basketball is Jackie Stiles, who scored a then-NCAA women’s basketball record 3,393 career points from 1997 to 2001, which stood for 16 years. Stiles led the Lady Bears to the 2001 Final Four and won the Wade Trophy as the nation’s top player before becoming the WNBA’s Rookie of the Year in 2002. The Missouri State also reached the 1991 Final Four.
Until 2022, the home of the Bears and Lady Bears was named for the late John Q. Hammond, who among many gifts to his alma mater donated $30 million for the venue’s construction. Great Southern Bank secured naming rights for $5.5M.
Food & Beverage 4
This is one arena where you won’t go hungry, or be uninspired by the food options. Several concession stands offer the standards – burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches and tenders, fries, nachos, popcorn, etc. – with entrees a bit on the pricy side ($13- $15). Then there are specialty stations; Pizza Ranch, a local chain, does whole pizzas for $35 and slices for $7.
On the opposite side of the arena, the Cantina has three tacos for $14, premium nachos for $13, and a rather rare menu item for college hoops, elote (corn smothered in cream, lime juice, and cheese). To satisfy your sweet tooth, there’s an outpost of the local frozen yogurt chain Orange Leaf.
For some reason, beers are one dollar cheaper ($9) at Pizza Ranch than other outlets, but all options are identical: Miller, Coors, Bud Light, Budweiser Ultra, Yuengling, plus White Claw for the seltzer fans. There’s a selection of Bacardi and Cutwater canned cocktails for $12 (the mai tai packs a punch!), however, it was explained to me that the full bar only opens for concerts. Wine is $8 a glass, while fountain drinks run $6 and bottled water $5.
For somebody like me who is often struck by menu paralysis, I suggest doing a lap around the concourse to see what strikes your fancy.
Atmosphere 4
That trademark Southern (Midwest) hospitality revealed itself the second I stepped inside Great Southern Bank Arena. With my visit falling during the holiday season, cheerleaders in Santa hats were handing out festive Missouri State-branded mugs, with free game programs strewn about the table.
Walking from concourse to seats is when one realizes this ain’t your average mid-major college basketball arena. Separating the lower and upper chairback seating sections ringing the court are 22 private suites. Adding to the big-time feel of Great Southern Bank Arena is the PRIME Overtime Club, included with all higher-priced season ticket packages or to all-season ticket holders for an additional $100 membership. This 4,500-square-foot social space just off the concourse, with views of the court, offers elevated food and drink and is where the Bears coaches’ shows are recorded.
The concourse is also home to the Missouri State Athletics Hall of Fame, with museum-caliber displays of great Bear athletes and teams. If that doesn’t get your school spirit flowing, a large team shop is located just to the right of the main entrance. Large TV monitors throughout ensure fans don’t miss any of the court action while shopping.
Neighborhood 3
Located amid campus buildings and student apartment complexes, there’s not much near Great Southern Bank Arena to hold one’s pregame interest. Thankfully, downtown Springfield’s bars, eateries, and shopping options are just a mile away, making for a short drive or invigorating walk if the weather is cooperating.
Nonna’s is a delicious, traditional Italian trattoria, while a former Springfield resident recommended Black Sheep Burgers as well as Café Cusco for Peruvian food on the north side of town.
South of campus, along E. Sunshine St., one will find every fast food establishment imaginable. At the corner of Sunshine and Campbell is the Holy Grail for outdoors enthusiasts … The original Bass Pro Shops is an attraction even for those who prefer creature comforts.
When in town, sports fans may be able to catch an early season Missouri State baseball game at Hammons Field, just a half mile away.
Fans 2
While there is a dedicated courtside student section in sections F through I behind the basket, it was not discernable from the rest of the crowd during the late-December holiday break.
The Bears can use all the support they can get, as performances in recent years have seen Great Northern Bank crowds dwindle to a fraction of capacity. With a reversal of fortunes and an engaged student body, the arena is a sleeping giant ready to rock again.
Game production is polished but not over-the-top. The lights dim for player intros, cheerleaders and the dance team work to keep the energy high at timeouts, but some of the more modern elements like an in-arena DJ are missing. The four-sided square scoreboard and video board also feel a bit past its prime.
Access 4
A Bear statue and glass-strewn atrium welcome guests to Great Southern Bank Arena. The metal detectors were visible (but not set up) during my visit, and fans are limited to one bag sized no bigger than 11x8.5”.
General public parking can be found in Bear-Park North at 725 E Cherry St, a four-story structure with 1,241 spaces about a five-minute walk from the arena. Prices vary.
Springfield is a remarkably easy city to navigate, as streets generally follow a grid pattern and are hemmed in by four highways.
The Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF) is located in the northwest corner of town, with non-stops to major hubs throughout the Midwest and South, and flights as far afield as Los Angeles.
Return on Investment 3
Ticket prices at Great Southern Bank Arena range from $10 in the upper deck and behind the basket, to seats priced at either $26 or $40 along the sidelines. There may be family packs or other promotions available.
Ticket prices are in line with a facility of this stature, while concession prices are on the high side given the Heartland location. During these inflationary times, lowering the cost of food and drink may entice more families to the arena.
Extras 2
Attached to the aforementioned Bass Pro Shops is Johnny Morris’ Wonders Of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium. Opened in 2017 and named for Bass Pro’s founder, it has routinely been voted America’s top aquarium.
About 45 minutes south of Springfield in the heart of the Ozarks is Branson known for its theme parks and concert halls that attract top country music acts.
Final Thoughts
With just over 170,000 residents, Springfield straddles the line between a small city and a big town. However, if you were to close your eyes upon entering city limits and open them only after entering Great Southern Bank Arena, you’d think you were in a major metropolis. Here’s hoping to high-caliber Bear (and Lady Bear) hoops shortly, drawing crowds that are befitting of this stellar venue.
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