Bellarmine Basketball Capacity
Located in the heart of Louisville, Kentucky, Freedom Hall stands as one of the most iconic venues in the region. Originally constructed in 1956 for the Kentucky State Fair, this storied arena has evolved into a premier destination for sports, concerts, and community events. Today, it proudly serves as the home court for the Bellarmine University Knights men's and women's basketball teams, marking an exciting new chapter in the venue's illustrious history.
With a seating capacity of nearly 19,000 for basketball games, Freedom Hall offers fans an electric atmosphere that few college basketball venues can match. Whether you're cheering on the Knights as they compete in Division I or attending one of the many concerts and events hosted throughout the year, the experience inside this legendary venue is filled with energy, nostalgia, and Louisville tradition.
Event Capacities at Freedom Hall
- Concerts: 19,200
- A Historic Venue with Modern Reach
Freedom Hall is situated at the Kentucky Exposition Center, just 12 minutes from downtown Louisville and the KFC Yum Center. This convenient location makes it easily accessible for fans throughout the Louisville metro area and beyond. The venue's central positioning, combined with ample parking and modern amenities, ensures that attending events at Freedom Hall remains a hassle-free experience.
Over its nearly seven decades of operation, Freedom Hall has hosted countless memorable events, from legendary concerts featuring Elvis Presley and The Rolling Stones to major sporting events including NCAA Tournament games and professional basketball. This rich legacy continues today as Bellarmine brings high-level college basketball back to the building on a regular basis.
More Than a College Basketball Venue
What makes Freedom Hall truly special is its remarkable ability to honor tradition while remaining relevant in today's entertainment landscape. The arena has hosted multiple NCAA Tournament regionals and Final Fours, served as home to the University of Louisville Cardinals for decades, and welcomed some of the biggest names in music and entertainment. Now, as the home of Bellarmine basketball, Freedom Hall continues its proud tradition of showcasing competitive college athletics.
Whether you're a longtime Louisville resident who remembers watching games here in decades past or a first-time visitor supporting the Knights, Freedom Hall delivers an authentic sports experience that connects Louisville's storied basketball heritage with its promising future.
Freedom Hall Capacity
- Concerts: 19,200
Bellarmine NCAA Tournament Controversy
The Bellarmine Knights made headlines on March 8, 2022, when they defeated Jacksonville 77-72 to claim the Atlantic Sun Conference tournament championship. Under normal circumstances, this victory would have automatically punched the Knights' ticket to the NCAA Tournament. However, due to NCAA transitional rules, Jacksonville State received the ASUN's automatic bid instead, despite not winning the conference tournament.
As a program transitioning from Division II to Division I, Bellarmine began competing at the highest level of college basketball in 2020 when they joined the Atlantic Sun Conference. NCAA regulations require teams moving up to Division I to complete a four-year transition period before becoming eligible for postseason tournaments, including conference tournament automatic bids and the NCAA Tournament. While this rule prevented the Knights from dancing in March 2022, they completed their transition period and are now fully eligible for all postseason competition, adding even more excitement to their games at Freedom Hall.
Freedom Hall Address
937 Phillips Ln, Louisville, KY 40209
Parking at Freedom Hall
Freedom Hall is located within the expansive Kentucky Exposition Center complex, which offers ample parking for event attendees. Prepaid parking is available through the venue's partnership with ParkMobile, allowing fans to secure their spots in advance and streamline their arrival experience.
Same-day parking passes can also be purchased directly at the venue for all events. However, purchasing parking in advance is strongly recommended, especially for high-attendance games and concerts, to ensure availability and avoid potential delays. Lots E, A, N, and P serve as the primary general parking areas accessible to all attendees.
For those seeking a complete game-day package, platforms like SeatGeek offer convenient options for purchasing both parking passes and basketball tickets together, making trip planning even easier.
Freedom Hall Bag Policy
Before heading to Freedom Hall for a Bellarmine basketball game or any other event, be sure to familiarize yourself with the venue's security policies. Learn more about the specific Freedom Hall bag policy to ensure a smooth entry process and avoid any delays at the gate.