2026 is already shaping up to be a busy year at The Corbin Arena.
This was the message that new General Manager Cindy Creech delivered to the Corbin City Commission during its December monthly meeting.
The world-famous Harlem Globetrotters return to The Corbin Arena on Wednesday, Jan. 28, at 7 p.m.
“The Harlem Globetrotters are worldwide icons, synonymous with family entertainment and great basketball skills. The Globetrotters represent 100 years of breaking down barriers, acts of goodwill and a commitment to fans that goes beyond the game. The Globetrotters have entertained more than 148 million fans in 123 countries and territories worldwide, introducing many to the sport of basketball. The team are pioneers in popularizing the slam dunk, the fast break, the forward and point guard positions, and the figure-eight weave, according to the group’s website.
“They come every year,” Creech noted.
Country music star Justin Moore, who previously performed at The Corbin Arena in 2017 and 2021, will be making a return trip on Saturday, Feb. 21, at 8 p.m.
Moore has built a loyal following over the past decade with his traditional country sound and captivating live shows. His deeply personal latest single “This Is My Dirt” just earned him his 13th No. 1, and it follows the platinum certified “You, Me, and Whiskey,” a smoldering duet with Priscilla Block. Over his 10 plus year career, Moore’s No. 1 hits have included “Point at You,” “Lettin’ The Night Roll” “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away,” “Small Town USA” and “Till My Last Day,” as well as platinum certified albums and singles, according to his website.
https://www.justinmooremusic.com
Since a 2009 vote of high school principals, The Corbin Arena has been the primary home for the Kentucky High School Athletic Association’s 13th Region Basketball Tournament, which is slated to again take place March 2 – March 9.
The 13th Region is comprised of all high schools in districts 49 through 52, which encompasses Jackson, Clay, Laurel, Whitley, Knox, Bell and Harlan counties.
If monster trucks are your thing, then you will want to get tickets for the Monsters of Destruction, which are set to perform on Friday, March 13, and Saturday, March 14, at 7:30 p.m.
This highly anticipated event will feature monster trucks and a Freestyle Moto-X stunt show featuring X-gamers Brody Wilson and Kieran Ursua in high-flying action. The whole family will have the chance to witness the incredible stunts and jumps of the monster trucks and motorcycles, as they race against each other in a fierce competition.
If four-legged entertainment is more your thing, then you might want to get tickets for Return of the Super Bull professional bull riding, on Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21, at 8 p.m.
Monsters of Destruction and Super Bull are annual events at The Corbin Arena, Creech noted.
May will also bring the return of the May Day Festival.
The are also six rentals already planned at The Corbin Arena, which includes four graduations.
Creech said that one of the other two rentals will be a brand-new event that has been very successful at other venues.
“I am hoping that they grow and that it becomes a yearly thing,” Creech said.
Creech said that she recently got a call about another possible event that the Arena has never had before.
Creech said some other events are in the works but have not been finalized so she can’t release details on those yet.
Policy change
Creech also told the city commission that she has made a list of things that will be given to people inquiring about renting The Corbin Arena, which they will have to pay for, such as putting up pipe and drape across the stage, stage set up, risers, tables, etc.
She added all these items are things that eventually tear up or get worn out and must be replaced.
Creech suggested putting the rental fee for special items into an account so that when the items wear out, there will be money to purchase replacements.
Corbin City Manager Scott Williamson said that one reason the Arena is now charging for these things is that every other venue is charging for it and charging more than Corbin does.
Creech named one regional venue that even charges for plugging something into the wall.
“We appreciate your hard work and watching the bottom line,” Mayor Suzie Razmus added.
In addition, The Corbin Arena charges a lesser rate for non-profits to rent the facility, but it does require the group to show proof of its non-profit status.
“We can cut them a deal,” Creech added about the standard $2,500 rental fee.
