Stabler Arena

Lehigh University opened the doors to Stabler Arena in May 1979. Industrialist and Lehigh University Trustee Emeritus, Donald B. Stabler, envisioned a collegiate arena which would showcase University sporting and cultural events while serving as a bridge to a wide range of community activities.

Since the very first event, Lehigh University's own Commencement Exercises held on May 27, 1979, and the first public event, Holiday on Ice in November 1979, nearly 5,000,000 people have passed through our doors.

"Going to Stabler" has meant cheering on some of the finest collegiate wrestlers in America. Wrestling is not a sport at Lehigh, it's a tradition. In the winter months, while it's cold outside, Stabler's basketball court is heated up with Lehigh's own Mountain Hawks facing other contenders in the Patriot League, like Navy, Colgate, Bucknell, Army, Holy Cross, and Lafayette.

In 1981 the U.S. Gymnastics Championship was filmed at Stabler and aired in its entirety on ABC's Wide World of Sports. And in 1984, a relatively unknown gymnast walked away with first place in the International Mixed Pairs Gymnastics Competition at Stabler. Just four months later this same gymnast walked away with something else... Olympic Gold! Her name? Mary Lou Retton.

Disney Ice Shows, Sesame Street, the Harlem Globetrotters, antique shows, auto shows, the circus, corporate meetings, technology fairs, the Miss Pennsylvania Pageant, conventions and tournaments all show off at Stabler.

Without a question, Stabler Arena's highest acclaim comes from the concert scene. With superb acoustics, and superior rigging capabilities for a 6,000 seat arena, Stabler has become the preeminent mid-sized concert venue in the northeast. Popular with acts and agencies, Stabler has been nominated by the readers of Performance Magazine eight times for "Arena of the Year" status. Stabler Arena won that prestigious award in 1988. Some acts that have graced the stage are: Grateful Dead, Billy Joel, Bob Dylan, and Fleetwood Mac.

Some artists think Stabler works so well, they come here to rehearse. Bette Midler, the Moody Blues and the Cranberries are just a few who kicked off their national tours here.

At times Stabler serves as a film studio. Whitney Houston shot her "So Emotional" video here, and Bon Jovi turned a New Year's Eve concert into a video shoot for his "Bed of Roses" track.

Today, as a University facility, students want to see newer music like Bush, Stone Temple Pilots, Phish, Live, Blues Traveler, Rusted Root, and Matchbox 20.

Here's what you won't find at Stabler. No cushy, corporate suites for the fat cats. No microbrewery. No cigar bar with paid admission. No valet parking. And no distracting Jumbotron hanging from the ceiling.

However, you will find a courteous and knowledgeable staff all wanting you to have a good time in a clean and safe environment. A place where friends can relax and enjoy what you paid to see, the show on stage. The intimate layout of Stabler Arena's 6,000 seats provides a concert experience unequal to most all our competitors. You just may think you're on stage yourself.