NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark – From rock & roll to pop music, Simmons Bank Arena has hosted many talents over the last quarter century.

Over the years, many have come to the arena in North Little Rock to see some of the biggest names in entertainment. It first opened in October 1999 and before becoming Simmons Bank Arena, it was first known as Alltel Arena and later as Verizon Arena.

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General manager Michael Marion said there were more than 3,000 events, including the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift and many more.

“It's a real joy for us to be able to bring artists like this so that people don't have to drive to Memphis, New Orleans or Dallas,” Marion said.

Marion said people love concerts and he has his favorites too.

“For me, having Paul McCartney in the building was a big deal,” Marion said. “Harry Styles was a big movie that took a while.”

Since opening, more than 10 million people have participated in the events, which include gymnastics, wrestling and even monster trucks.

“People always want to be in the same room as their favorite artist,” Marion said.

The arena's economic impact since 1999 has been just over $433 million, benefiting businesses on both sides of the river.

“The baseball stadium, the Clinton Library across the river and the River Market are all about to be renovated. We were the catalyst that helped with all of this, even with downtown Argenta,” Marion said.

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Marion said it was the memories that made the arena so special. He hopes more people will continue to come over the next 25 years.

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