Draft:Hitachi Energy Arena



Hitachi Energy Arena (previously known as the Appalachian Regional Exposition Center or APEX Center) is a multi-purpose sports and entertainment venue located in Wytheville, Virginia. It is home to the Blue Ridge Bobcats, a Single-A Independent Professional Hockey franchise that competes in the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL). The arena seats 3,650 for ice hockey, and 5,000 for concerts and other events.

Construction of the 90,000 square-foot facility began in the fall of 2017, and was completed shortly after the turn of the decade. Originally built as a dirt floor, an ice plant was installed in the summer of 2023. The Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL) granted an expansion franchise to an ownership group that realized Wythe County's underserved hockey fan population, and ice rink installation was completed in September 2023. The Blue Ridge Bobcats began play as Southwest Virginia's first professional sports franchise in October 2023. The first season was played with 2,200 temporary seats inside the arena.

After the Bobcats finished as one of the top teams in the league in attendance in just their first season, Wythe County approved the construction of expanded seating. Construction began in August 2024 and was completed in September 2024 on 5,000 brand new seats, convertible to 3,650 for ice hockey. Suite seating, a press box and state-of-the-art production room were constructed with the seating. The facility also received upgrades to all locker rooms and arena visuals. The Bobcats began their second season, and first with permanent seating, in October 2024.

On June 19th, 2024, the facility announced a five-year naming rights agreement with Hitachi Energy Corporation to rename the facility "Hitachi Energy Arena".