F&M Bank Arena is the arena for the Austin Peay Governors men's and women's basketball teams of the ASUN Conference. Located in Clarksville, Tennessee, it seats around 6,000 people. In addition to the main space which holds events such as APSU's basketball games, concerts, banquets, conventions, and many other events; there is a second floor of F&M Bank Arena that will mainly be used for figure and youth skating.[1] Replacing Winfield Dunn Center, whose basketball arena has been converted to a volleyball-specific facility, both the men's and women's basketball teams moved from Winfield Dunn Center to the arena. The facility includes locker rooms, coaches' offices, and training rooms for both teams.
History
Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett had a vision for Downtown Clarksville and in November 2019, the Montgomery County Commission approved funding for the new multi-purpose event center. However, no bonds for paying for the arena would be signed until Austin Peay signed to be the main tenant and the Nashville Predators signed to manage the facility. The new arena features two ice rinks, space for concerts and events, as well as a practice gym for Austin Peay Men's and Women's Basketball.
Groundbreaking was held on November 12, 2020, which was attended by Mayor Durrett, Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts, as well as officials with the Nashville Predators, and the CEO of F&M Bank.
Sabertooth Sports and Entertainment, which is owned by the Nashville Predators, operates the arena. On July 30, 2021, F&M Bank officially agreed to a naming rights deal for the Arena.
Construction was completed by January 2023, with the arena officially opening in July 2023.[2]
The Arena is part of a bigger project to bring more life to downtown Clarksville. Across the street from the arena, a three-story restaurant development called Shelby’s Trio was built, consisting of a rooftop bar and two restaurants. Set to be built behind the arena is Riverview Square, which will consist of restaurants and shops, as well as renovation of the Riverview Inn, which will become a DoubleTree by Hilton hotel. A parking garage is also planned to be built with this development as well.
Ford Ice Center which operates year round will be the home of Austin Peay’s new club hockey team beginning next year.