Cross Insurance Arena

The Cross Insurance Arena formerly the Cumberland County Civic Center (renamed in 2014 after renovations)  is a 6,733-seat multi-purpose arena in Portland, Maine. Built in 1977 at a cost of $8 million, it is home to the Portland Pirates ice hockey team, various trade shows and the Maine Principals' Association high school basketball tournament.
The arena's official name is the George I. Lewis Auditorium at Cross Insurance Arena. The press box is named for sportscasting legend, the late Frank Fixaris. There are 6,733 permanent seats in the arena, and it seats up to 9,000 for concerts. The arena floor features 34500 sq. ft. of space, making it useful for trade shows and conventions in addition to sports and concerts. ZZ Top was the very first act to play the Civic Center when it opened on March 3, 1977. Dire Straits played there during their Brothers In Arms world tour in 1985. The venue also hosted the America East Conference (then the ECAC North) men's basketball tournament in 1980. The current tenants are the AHL Portland Pirates. Prior AHL clubs have also called the "4 C's" home, including 3 time Calder Cup champions, the Maine Mariners.
The inside consists of one deck rising 24 rows, 14 seats across at its widest, and 30 separated sections around. There is also one restaurant in the lobby known as the Penalty Box Grill. The arena has had a unique history of having locals sponsor individual seats at the arena. Those who pay to sponsor seats at the Civic Center can have their name engraved on their seats or dedicate the seat to someone they know.
The arena was used for two home games for the Lewiston MAINEiacs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League when they swapped buildings with the Pirates for 2 games each in 2008.
==External links==
*Cumberland County Civic Center
Category:Indoor ice hockey venues in Maine
Category:Former American Hockey League arena
Category:ECHL arena
Category:Quebec Major Junior Hockey League arena