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A rendering of the southern side exterior of Dobson Arena with an overcast sky.

Dobson Arena

Nestled in the heart of Vail, Dobson Arena has been reimagined as a modern, multi-use event venue while honoring its roots as a Colorado icon.

With over 56,000 square feet of total space, the arena’s thoughtful renovation blends state-of-the-art production capabilities with alpine character creating a space unlike any other in the Rockies.

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A rendering of the West entrance to Dobson Arena.

Why Choose Dobson Arena?

Dobson Arena transforms from ice arena to event center, offering a range of opportunities for concerts, conferences, exhibitions, and corporate gatherings. The 2025 upgraded infrastructure features expanded entries, all new and expanded restrooms, ADA accessibility, and enhanced acoustics.

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Venue Overview

 

3,500+

Total Capacity for Concerts and Keynote Events

56,487 ft

Total Square Footage Post-Remodel

81

Internal Bathroom Fixtures with additional units available

A rendering of the West entrance to Dobson Arena viewed from a lower right perspective. The rendering shows a sunny day and visitors gathered outside the entry way.

Venue Versatility

A view from the back of a room where a corporate workshop is happening. A man is presenting in the distance and a group of people are sitting intently or taking notes.

Corporate Retreats
and Summits

A keynote speaker gives a large on-screen presentation in a dimly lit and blue shaded auditorium.

National Association Conventions

A crowd cheers on a band on stage at a concert.

Concerts, Speaker Series, and Live Performance

Visitors move throughout a large convention center during a brand showcase event.

Brand Activations, Product Launches, and Exhibitions

AMENITIES AT-A-GLANCE

  • A black and white icon of a conventional person in wheelchair handicap symbol.

    Modern Accessibility

    ADA-compliant pathways and entries.

  • A black and white simplified icon of a male/female restroom symbol.

    Ample Restrooms

    Expanded capacity, ADA-compliant restrooms.

  • A simplified black and white icon of a doorway being opened.

    Entrances & Circulation

    New west and south entries for smooth ingress/egress.

  • A simplified black and white icon of a concession stand popcorn bucket.

    Concessions & Food Service

    Available during events, with options for custom catering.

  • A simplified icon of three stick figure people connected in a circle.

    Hospitality Spaces

    VIP lounge, green rooms, meeting rooms.

  • A simplified icon of a speaker with a small sound wave indicating a low level of noise.

    Noise Mitigation

    Enhanced sound barriers and site design to comply with 65 dBA property line limits.

A rendering of an aerial view of the event floor at Dobson Arena. The floor level is set for hockey. There are bleacher stands to the left and right and various country flags hanging from the ceiling.

2,400 Floor Standing Capacity

Event Level

The Event and Concert Level has a 2,400 standing capacity on the floor with a large stage area, backstage area, and loading docks. For sports events, we have locker rooms, skate rentals and back of house support spaces. ADA wheelchair platforms.

FEATURES
  • Large stage area with backstage and loading dock access
  • Locker rooms, skate rental, and back-of-house support space
  • ADA wheelchair platform and penalty box viewing for sporting events
A rendering of the view down the concourse walkway inside Dobson Arena. The floor level is set up for hockey.

1,050 Fixed Seating Capacity

Concourse Level

The Concourse Level features fixed seating that can accommodate up to 1,400 people at standing room only. With ample space and ADA-friendly walkways, getting around the concourse is a breeze. The Concourse Level also includes a lounge space. Concession stands and staffing can be around the concourse as well.

FEATURES
  • Concessions, lounge and hospitality spaces
  • Large lobby and circulation areas for registration and networking

Why Vail?

An upscale hotel lobby in Vail, Colorado with a decorative chandelier, fireplace, and a view of pine trees out the window.

Superior Dining and Lodging

From charming diners to upscale fine dining, including several MICHELIN-recommended establishments, Vail’s restaurants cater to diverse tastes. Vail boasts numerous highly-rated lodging options whether you’re looking for a boutique experience or a big name hotel brand.

Find Lodging
Two images split diagonally showing different activities for warm and cold seasons. The bottom left portion shows a group of three skiers going down a mountain and the top right shows a woman up to her waste fly fishing in a rushing river.

Year-Round Attractions

Whether the mountains are covered in powdery snow or lush green grass there’s always there’s always something to do around Vail. From snow sports to fishing and rafting the area is full of outdoor activities. More of a city person? Vail’s villages are full of shops, bars, and restaurants to keep you busy.

Explore Activities
A small plane takes off from a snowy runway into a mountain horizon.

Easy of Access for Air Travel

Getting to Vail is quick and easy. Just 30 miles from Vail, Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) is serviced by American, Delta, Alaska and United from over 150 cities worldwide. With full-service transportation available from the airport, traveling directly into Vail is more convenient than ever!

Fly to Vail
A streetlamp-lit street in the mountain village at dusk in Vail. People walk through the street between the clean, white-and-brown buildings and tall, verdant trees.

Village Atmosphere

Vail is connected with pedestrian streets (and a free in-town shuttle system) following the winding Gore Creek from Vail Village to Lionshead. Stroll and explore shops and restaurants after your mountain adventure, bar hop at night, and more. Beyond the core villages, you’ll discover East and West Vail, both offering lodging, dining and shopping just a short drive or free bus ride away.

Discover the Villages

Interested in Booking?

Schedule a site tour or request a custom proposal.

 

Venue Coordinator

Vail Recreation District
970-479-2271 | [email protected]

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