Jan 16, 2026
·Mary Callahan
Located on the campus of George Mason University, EagleBank Arena is one of Northern Virginia’s premier destinations for sports, concerts and live entertainment. Known for its versatile setup and convenient location near Washington, D.C., the venue has been a hub for college basketball, world-class performers and community events for nearly four decades.
About EagleBank Arena
Location: 4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax, VA 22030
Opened: 1985 (as the Patriot Center)
Renamed: 2015 (EagleBank Arena)
Capacity: Around 10,000 for basketball and concerts
Primary Tenant: George Mason University Patriots men’s and women’s basketball
While it’s best known as the home of George Mason basketball, EagleBank Arena has built a reputation as one of the most flexible venues in the region, hosting everything from commencement ceremonies and family shows to major touring acts and sporting events.
History and Highlights
When it opened in 1985 as the Patriot Center, the arena instantly became a central gathering place for students, alumni and Northern Virginia residents. It was the site of George Mason’s rise in college basketball prominence, especially during their magical 2006 run to the Final Four.
Beyond basketball, EagleBank Arena has welcomed an impressive roster of performers, including Elton John, Beyoncé, Bruce Springsteen and Ariana Grande. It has also hosted comedians, family-friendly productions like Disney on Ice and large community gatherings, making it a true multipurpose venue.
Getting to EagleBank Arena
Driving and Parking
The arena is located just off Route 123 and accessible via I-66. Parking is available in multiple surface lots and garages across the George Mason University campus. For popular events, pre-purchasing a parking pass is highly recommended.
Public Transit
Fairfax Connector and Metrobus provide access to campus and the Vienna Metro station (Orange Line) is the closest stop, about 15 minutes away by car or shuttle.
Rideshare
Uber and Lyft are widely available in Fairfax, with designated drop-off and pick-up areas near the arena on event days.
Food and Beverages
EagleBank Arena offers a variety of concessions, ranging from classic stadium snacks like hot dogs, pretzels and nachos to local food vendors at select events. Beer and wine are available for purchase at concerts and non-college events for guests 21 and older.
Seating and Experience
The arena’s design ensures good sightlines throughout, whether you’re close to the action in the lower bowl or enjoying a broader view from the upper level.
Lower Level: Closest seating to the court or stage, ideal for fans who want to be in the heart of the action.
Upper Level: Affordable seating options with strong sightlines for basketball and concerts.
Premium Options: Some events offer VIP packages or suites with upgraded amenities and private entrances.
Student Section: A lively and spirited part of the arena during George Mason basketball games.
Concert-goers appreciate the arena’s acoustics, which make it a strong mid-sized venue for music events compared to larger stadiums in D.C.
Venue Policies
Bag Policy: Clear bag policy in effect; bags larger than 12” x 6” x 12” are not permitted.
Security: All guests pass through metal detectors and bags are subject to search.
Re-Entry: Re-entry is typically prohibited once you leave the arena during an event.
Plan Your Visit
Doors Open: Generally 60–90 minutes before the scheduled start time.
Ticketing: Mobile ticketing is encouraged, though printed tickets are accepted at some events.
Event Duration: Basketball games run about 2–2.5 hours; concerts vary by artist.
Why Visit EagleBank Arena?
EagleBank Arena strikes the perfect balance between being big enough to host major touring acts and small enough to provide an intimate, fan-friendly experience. Whether you’re cheering on the George Mason Patriots, seeing your favorite band, or attending a family show, this Fairfax venue delivers memorable experiences in a convenient location.
📁 Categories: NCAA Basketball