Opened in 2008 on the campus of Missouri State University, Great Southern Bank Arena is a modern, multipurpose indoor venue that serves as the home court for the university’s Bears and Lady Bears basketball teams. Originally named JQH Arena in honor ... read moreof a major donor, it was renamed in 2022 after Great Southern Bank secured the naming rights. Its contemporary design and central location make it a major sports and entertainment hub in Springfield.

The arena has a seating capacity of about 11,000, including nearly 9,637 chairback seats, 114 loge seats within the PRIME Overtime Club, 22 private suites, 55 courtside seats, and bleacher-backed student seating in the end zones. Visitors enjoy modern amenities such as multiple concession stands, spacious concourses, ample restroom facilities, elevators for accessibility, and a team store in the main lobby. The venue is designed for comfort and clear sightlines from every seat.

Beyond basketball, Great Southern Bank Arena hosts a wide variety of events, including concerts, guest speakers, and community gatherings. It has also become a stop for high school tournaments and professional events like Professional Bull Riders team series matches, serving as home arena for the Missouri Thunder since 2024. Its flexible layout allows for both in-the-round seating for up to 11,000 spectators and end-stage concert configurations that seat around 8,500, making it one of the region’s most versatile event spaces.