The Pershing Center is a 4,526-seat multi-purpose arena, in Lincoln, Nebraska, USA.
It is home to the Lincoln Capitols NIFL indoor football team Lincoln Thunder ABA basketball team and the No Coast Derby Girls Women's Flat Track Derby Association league [1].
It is also a host site for the NSAA boys and girls state basketball, as well as the NSAA girls volleyball championships. It has hosted the National roller-skating championships dozens of times.
It has held many events in the past, including concerts and WWE/TNA house show wrestling events.
The Grateful Dead's performance, on February 26, 1973, was recorded and makes up half of their live album, entitled Dick's Picks Volume 28.
The exterior and marquee of the arena are also featured in the 1981 film, This is Elvis, as it hosted one of Elvis Presley's final concerts in 1977.
In 2008/2009, discussions have begun to build a new, larger arena for Lincoln NE due to mid sized arenas no longer able to meet the demands of most tours. According to Pershing General Manager Tom Lorenz "the music and entertainment industry has pulled back on midlevel tours, reducing the number of shows likely to come to Pershing. Normally, Pershing has six to eight concerts annually, but this year will have three or four". [2]
Budget Shortfall of $150,000 was passed by the Lincoln city council because the situation was so dire, only "10 months into the fiscal year." [2]
The new proposed arena in West Haymarket Park will feature a "15,000 seat arena will provide a new home to the UNL Mens and Women's basketball programs and will be adaptable to a variety of floor configurations for concerts, volleyball, wrestling tournaments, rodeos, trade shows and other events. The arena will feature premium suites, club seating, and an attached 150-room hotel. Nearby facilities will include a 250-room hotel, and three parking garages with built-in retail space."[3]