WILKES-BARRE TWP. — Nestled in the scenic Wyoming Valley, surrounded by the rolling hills of northeastern Pennsylvania, the Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza has stood as a beacon of entertainment, sports and community gatherings for a quarter of a century.
The Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza has been much more than just a venue over the past 25 years. It has been a cornerstone of the community, a driver of economic growth and a place where people come together to create lasting memories.
As the arena celebrates this milestone anniversary, it stands as a testament to the power of entertainment to unite, inspire and uplift.
Contentious beginnings
The story of the arena begins a decade before its first seat was ever installed, a time when the region was yearning for a facility that could bring large-scale entertainment to the families and visitors of the Wyoming Valley.
An effort first championed by the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber and State Rep. Kevin Blaum, with major support from Pennsylvania Governor Robert P. Casey, years of planning came to a halt when Luzerne County Commissioners Jim Phillips and Frank Crossin voted for a referendum that would force the public funding of an arena to a county-wide public vote.
With three months to organize before the election, a dedicated and passionate team rallied together to convince county residents and the “Arena Yes” movement was born, but so too was “Arena No” — seen in yard signs, debates and editorials across the Wyoming Valley.
By a mere 48 votes, county voters voted against the idea. “Arena Yes” had failed, but the spirit of the project and its importance lived on.
The end goal unchanged, Rep. Kevin Blaum worked with five local banks to secure the bonds necessary to continue the project. Although ground for the arena had eventually been broken in 1997, the arena authority ran out of money in May 1998, until officials from the international headquarters of the First Union Bank stepped in to help secure the necessary bonds.
A contentious beginning that almost derailed its very existence, “Arena Yes” prevailed, transforming a barren coal site into a cultural and economic cornerstone of the region.
Donning the name of the First Union Arena at Casey Plaza, the arena opened its doors to the public on Nov. 13, 1999, with a grand opening celebration followed by the first-ever game of the newly-formed Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
The first concert, Neil Diamond, would follow less than three weeks later.
A dream realized
Since its inception, the arena has been a catalyst for economic development in Wilkes-Barre Township and the broader Luzerne County area. The arena’s construction spurred a wave of new businesses in the vicinity, including all of the restaurants, hotels and retail establishments that now surround the property. The facility has become a focal point for the community, attracting visitors from across the region and beyond.
Beyond its economic impact, the Mohegan Arena has also played a crucial role in shaping the cultural and social fabric of Northeastern Pennsylvania. For many residents, the arena is more than just a venue—it is a place where memories are made.
Over the past 25 years, the arena has hosted an impressive array of events, from sold-out concerts featuring world-renowned artists to thrilling sports competitions and family-friendly shows. The venue has hosted hundreds of live events and more than 1,000 more Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins AHL hockey games welcoming thousands of fans to make their best memories year over year.
One of the defining features of the Mohegan Arena is its status as the home of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins. Since the team’s arrival in 1999, the Penguins have become an integral part of the arena’s identity and the region’s sports culture.
The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, often referred to as the “Baby Pens,” have brought a level of excitement and pride to the community that few other teams can match. The team’s success on the ice has been mirrored by its strong fan base who consistently transform the Mohegan Sun Arena into a fortress of noise and energy on game nights.
When it comes to concerts, the Mohegan Arena has played host to some of the biggest names in music. From legendary rock bands to chart-topping pop stars, the arena’s stage has seen it all. These performances have not only entertained thousands of fans but have also cemented the arena’s reputation as the premier concert venue in the region.
In the early years, the arena welcomed legends like Bob Dylan, Barry Manilow and Elton John, drawing huge crowds and setting the tone for what was to come. These concerts were more than just shows — they were experiences that left lasting memories for those in attendance. Each electrifying performance captivated the audience and solidified the arena’s status as a must-visit stop for major tours.
The diversity of events has ensured that there is something for everyone, making the arena a beloved destination for people of all ages. Country music fans have enjoyed performances by stars like Dolly Parton, Reba and Tim McGraw, while pop enthusiasts have been treated to shows by the likes of Cher, the Backstreet Boys and Michael Bublé.
The arena has also hosted some of the biggest names in comedy, with comedians like Kevin Hart and Jeff Dunham bringing laughter to the stage. Family-friendly shows, including Disney on Ice, Monster Jam and Cirque du Soleil, have ensured that the arena remains a popular destination for audiences of all ages.
The staff of the Mohegan Arena is proud to play a vital role in creating people’s most fond memories and has also been the site of significant community events, including dozens of graduation ceremonies and celebrations.
Like any long-standing institution, the Mohegan Sun Arena has faced its share of challenges over the years. The most significant of these came in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic brought the entertainment industry to a grinding halt. The arena, like many others across the country, was forced to close its doors and cancel or postpone a slew of events.
As restrictions eased and vaccinations became widespread, the Mohegan Sun Arena gradually began to welcome back fans. The return of live events in 2021 was a momentous occasion, with concerts and sporting events once again filling the arena with energy and excitement.
The resilience of the arena and its ability to adapt to changing circumstances is a testament to its importance in the community. The facility’s successful reopening marked the beginning of a new chapter, one that promises to build on the legacy of the past 25 years.
Looking ahead
As the Mohegan Arena celebrates its 25th anniversary, there is much to look forward to in the years ahead. The facility continues to evolve, with ongoing investments in infrastructure and technology aimed at enhancing the fan experience.
Looking to the future, the Mohegan Arena is poised to continue expanding its horizons. Management is exploring opportunities to bring new and innovative events to the region and the goal is to ensure that the arena remains a dynamic and vibrant part of the community, offering something for everyone.
Being a part of the community is key and ongoing community engagement is always a top priority. From the beginning, it’s been clear that the success of an arena, our arena, is only possible because of the overwhelming support from the families of the Wyoming Valley and partnerships with local institutions, schools, non-profits and businesses.
As we look back on the past 25 years, we can see that the Mohegan Arena has fulfilled its promise to the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
As we look ahead to the future, there is no doubt that the arena will continue to be a source of pride and joy for generations to come.