The John Paul Jones Arena.
It’s not named after a Revolutionary War hero. Nor is it named for the legendary Led Zeppelin bassist. But it is the largest indoor arena in Virginia and just happens to be the home of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Champions… the University of Virginia Cavaliers! Here’s why we think you’ll love events at the John Paul Jones Arena.
Built in 2006, the 15,000 seat multi-purpose John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville is the first facility in the country built by a public university entirely from private funds, and the largest ACC basketball arena located outside a large metropolitan area. Sports Illustrated named John Paul Jones Arena the “Best New College Basketball Arena of the 2000’s”.
The name? “JPJ” (as the locals call it) was named after John P. Jones, a 1948 UVA graduate whose family donated to funds for its construction. Thanks to the generosity of the Jones’ family (and due to its enormous size, spacious stage with lighting, and abundance of seating), Charlottesville hosts some of the biggest acts in live entertainment, including Paul McCartney, Billy Joel, The Eagles, Lady Gaga, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Leith Urban, Fleetwood Mac, The Police, Taylor Swift, Kiss, Dave Matthews, Jimmy Buffett, and Kenny Chesney.
Events at the John Paul Jones Arena scheduled for 2022/2023 include Journey, Toto, the Harlem Globetrotters, Carrie Underwood, Chris Tomlin, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and Reba McEntire.
All You Need to Know about events at the John Paul Jones Arena
Address
The John Paul Jones Arena is located at 295 Massie Road in Charlottesville, 22903. The arena’s email address is johnpauljonesarenainfo@virginia.edu
Box Office
The John Paul Jones Arena box office is located by the Main Entrance and is open Monday – Friday from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm (hours on event days vary depending on show times). The box office phone number is 434-924-3537. Tickets can also be purchased at ticketmaster.com.
Parking
Onsite parking in either a parking garage or the JPJ parking lot (located at the intersection of Massie Road and Copeley Road). Additional parking spaces are often available across the street from the Arena in the U-Hall East and U-Hall West parking lots. Parking passes may be pre-purchased at ticketmaster.com, by calling 888-575-8497, or in person at the JPJ box office.
Additional Performance Venues in Charlottesville, Virginia
As if there’s not enough events at the John Paul Jones Arena, there’s no shortage of additional entertainment in this vibrant Southern city! If you’re looking for a different kind of performance to attend, take a look at some of the other nearby venues:
The Ting Pavilion
Situated at the east end of the historic downtown pedestrian mall, the Ting Pavilion is Charlottesville’s premier outdoor live performance venue. Featuring premium seating, a spacious lawn, and a professional stage house, the Ting Pavilion provides a comfortable and convenient venue to enjoy local and national performing artists. Tickets can be purchased through ticketmaster.com, and information about upcoming events can be found at tingpavilion.com.
The Paramount Theater
Located in the heart of the downtown pedestrian mall, this opulent theater thrust Charlottesville to the forefront of the “golden age of cinema” following its opening in 1931. For four decades, the grand movie palace hosted scores of films, war bond drives, fashion shows, cartoons for kids, and popular rock and roll artists. And since its restoration in 1992, it has sought to serve the artistic, educational and charitable benefit of Charlottesville. Among the celebrities performing at the Paramount have been Peter Frampton, Blake Shelton, Dionne Warwick, Bob Newhart, Norah Jones, the Dalai Lama, Bob Saget, and Harry Belafonte. Tickets for upcoming events can be purchased at theparamount.net.
The Southern Café & Music Hall
Another reason Charlottesville’s pedestrian mall is such a hot spot, the Southern Café & Music Hall offers world class sound and lighting in an intimate setting (300+). Tickets can be purchased through ticketmaster.com, or in person from The Southern box office (103 South 1st Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902).
The Jefferson Theater
Also located on Charlottesville’s historic pedestrian mall, the Jefferson was established in 1912 as a live performance theater. Originally hosting silent movies, vaudeville acts and live performers (including Harry Houdini and the Three Stooges), the theater was restored in 2009 and now plays host to a range of genres including rock, bluegrass, reggae, country, metal and hip-hop. With a capacity of 750+, the Jefferson regularly brings an eclectic mix of live performances to town. Tickets can be purchased through ticketmaster.com, or in person at the Jefferson box office.
Stay at Prospect Hill to Complete your Charlottesville, Virginia experience!
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