Since 2000 · Downtown Elmira
The Southern Tier's
living room.
Elmira's premier multi-purpose facility — 4,500 seats in the heart of downtown, with an ice surface, a recreational turf field, two full bars, luxury suites, and versatile event spaces. A quarter century of hockey nights, concerts, and community.
25+
years of operation
4,500
seats
31
luxury suites
60+
events a year
The story
First Arena, first love
Opened in 2000 as First Arena — and later known as the Coach USA Center — this building set the tone with its very first event, a heart-pounding Elmira Jackals game, and quickly became the epicenter of excitement in the Southern Tier.
The beloved ECHL Jackals electrified this barn for years; the Elmira River Sharks carried the torch into the FPHL era. Today the Elmira Aviators write the next chapter on the same ice — with the same hometown roar.
Recently modernized and re-energized as the LECOM Event Center, the arena hosts professional hockey, concerts, family shows, expos, and community events — and partners with local initiatives to keep Elmira's downtown buzzing.
In the building
One roof, every kind of night
- Ice surface
- Regulation rink for hockey, skating & on-ice events
- Turf field
- Williams Toyota recreational turf for sports & clinics
- 31 luxury suites
- Private hospitality above the action
- Two full bars
- Plus food service throughout the building
- Video game arcade
- Family fun beyond the main event
- Versatile event spaces
- Expos, banquets, fairs, and private rentals
Why come
Why the Southern Tier shows up
Exciting entertainment
Pro hockey, concerts, family shows, and thrill events — there's always something under this roof.
Family-friendly
A safe, welcoming place for all ages to spend a night out together.
Supports the community
Every night here helps power downtown Elmira and the whole Southern Tier.
Affordable fun
Fairly-priced tickets and concessions — a big night out that doesn't break the bank.
Something for everyone
From faceoffs to headliners to family expos, the calendar spans every interest.
In the community
More than a venue
Being part of Elmira means giving back. From youth sports to local charities, the LECOM Event Center is built to lift up the whole Southern Tier.
Local partnerships
We work with schools, nonprofits, and charities across the region on fundraisers and community programs.
Youth engagement
Sports clinics, stick times, and workshops that give local kids a place to grow and play.
Community events
Free and family-first nights that bring neighbors together — from festivals to celebrations.
Giving back
Our team shows up for the Southern Tier, from food drives to hometown causes we believe in.
Book the building
Expos, tournaments, fundraisers, private events — if you can dream it on ice, turf, or arena floor, we can host it.