Little Rock, ARK – The Little Rock Lightning, a professional basketball team affiliated with The Basketball League (TBL), has announced plans to build a $30 million, state-of-the-art arena in Southwest Little Rock. The project, aimed at transforming the area into a bustling hub for sports, community events, and youth development programs, is set to begin construction in early 2025 and is expected to be completed by the fall or winter of 2026.
The new arena, with a seating capacity of 2,500, will feature five luxury boxes, a Legends Room, and classrooms designed to support the Lightning’s after-school programs. The team envisions the facility as a multi-purpose space that will not only host 15 home basketball games per season but also a variety of other events, including concerts and volleyball games.
The arena’s development will provide a much-needed venue for the Lightning’s community-focused initiatives, particularly in Southwest Little Rock, an area the team has committed to revitalizing. “It’s a big mission,” said Jushun Blackmon, owner of the Little Rock Lightning. “We know this is going to be a game-changer for this community.”
The arena is part of a broader vision by the Lightning to engage local youth through sports and after-school programs. “We’ve been running these programs for about five years, but we’ve been outgrowing the space,” said Miya Blackmon, co-owner of the team. “We need our own location to better serve the kids and expand our outreach.”
In addition to basketball games, the arena will offer opportunities for volleyball, concerts, and community gatherings, making it a versatile venue for the region. The Blackmons emphasize that the facility is not just about sports—it’s about creating a space for the community to come together, build relationships, and grow.
Local political leaders have expressed strong support for the project, recognizing its potential to bring both cultural and economic benefits to Little Rock. Mayor Frank Scott Jr. highlighted the project’s role in fostering long-term growth. “This arena project is a perfect example of how an organization can improve quality of life and benefit the community,” Scott said.
State Representative Tara Shephard echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the arena’s potential to provide opportunities for the city’s youth. “The Lightning Arena will be a beacon of hope and opportunity—a place where kids can dream big, and the community can come together,” Shephard said.
Ward 6 City Director Andrea Lewis also voiced her support, underscoring the importance of investing in education and community engagement. “This initiative is about more than building a facility; it’s about creating opportunities, empowering our youth, and strengthening the fabric of our neighborhoods,” Lewis stated.
The arena’s construction is expected to have a significant economic impact on the region, generating jobs both during and after the building process. The project will help stimulate the local economy and provide a lasting legacy for the city.
As the Lightning prepare for this major expansion, the team remains focused on its dual mission of professional basketball and community development. With support from local officials and the broader community, the new arena promises to be a cornerstone of Little Rock’s future growth and a valuable resource for years to come.