About the Arena
What's in a Name?
The name of the new 16,000 seat arena at the University of Virginia has people wondering. Where did that name come from? Is it named after the Revolutionary War Hero? Did the Led Zeppelin Bassist have ties to Charlottesville? Neither.
The new state of the art facility is recognition and a thank you from a son to his father.
Paul Tudor Jones II, a 1976 U. Va. graduate, made an extraordinary $35 million commitment to the University of Virginias newest arena and was granted his naming request to honor his father, John Paul Jones. Mr. Jones has described his father's life as being dedicated to four things: his faith, his family, the University of Virginia and basketball. Jones senior is a 1948 graduate of the University's School of Law who currently lives in Memphis. His love of the University has never faded. He continues to participate in alumni functions, including serving three years as president of his alumni chapter and helping prospective U. Va. students through the admission process.
Basketball is a passion he shares with son Paul. Jones the younger was the first alumnus to voice concern that the University needed to replace the aging University Hall. In November 2001, he made a 10-year $20 million pledge that put the Arena project on the fast track. The ground breaking for this state of the art facility was May 30, 2003. The John Paul Jones Arena is the first facility in the country built by a public university almost entirely from private funds. It holds the title of the largest arena in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Construction was completed during the summer 2006. The arena is home to University Men's and Women's Basketball teams and host to a myriad of attractions including concerts, family shows, and community events. The Arena's inaugural lineup included such diverse acts as WWE Monday Night RAW, James Taylor, Kenny Chesney, Dave Matthews Band, The Wiggles Live and Eric Clapton.
Guest Services A to Z
ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Seating:
John Paul Jones Arena offers ADA compliant seating in the following sections:
For some of the events at John Paul Jones Arena, some seating sections may be closed due to show production requirements. To inquire about a specific show, please contact John Paul Jones Arena's Box Office.
Alcohol
Alcohol is prohibited in all public areas of the Arena. Alcoholic beverages may only be consumed in private suites, The Lexus Club, and Courtside Club (members only).
Animals
Animals are not permitted in the arena, unless they are service animals assisting a disabled guest.
Appearance
All guests entering John Paul Jones Arena must be appropriately dressed, including shirt and shoes at all times. Any guest wearing obscene or indecent clothing will not be permitted to enter.
Arena Seating
John Paul Jones Arena has three main seating levels: The Event Level, Lower Level (Suite Access), and Upper Level. In addition, depending on the type of event, Floor Seating can be utilized.
Assistive Listening Devices
For those guests who are hearing impaired, the Arena provides Assistive Listening Devices at no cost. Please see a Guest Services member or visit the Guest Services Booth sponsored by ACAC at section 310, on the main concourse, for assistance with obtaining a device. A driver's license will be required to sign a listening device out.
Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs)
ATM's provided by Bank of America are located at the following locations:
- Lower Level: Sec. 110
- Upper Level: Sec. 314
Baby Changing Stations
All Men’s, Women’s and Family restrooms are equipped with baby changing stations.
Bags
Backpacks, duffel bags, and other large bags are not allowed in John Paul Jones Arena. If you arrive with such an item, you will be requested to return the item to your vehicle.
Banners & Signs
Banners and signs may not be displayed during play of games or performances due to sightline restrictions. Signs may not be placed on railings or walls. Poles or sticks that are used to display banners, flags or signs are not permitted. Additionally, banners and signs that are offensive, vulgar, or commercial in nature will not be permitted into the Arena.
Backstage Passes
John Paul Jones Arena does not issue or have access to backstage passes.
Cameras
Cameras are permitted for UVA athletic events; however, in no instance may photography interfere with access ways, seat aisles, or other guests' enjoyment of the event. The camera policy for non-UVA athletic events will vary. Please call 434-243-4960 in advance to check the policy.
Children's Admission
Children over the age of 12 months must have a ticket for admission.
Concessions
John Paul Jones Arena offers more than sixty points of sale at sixteen permanent concession stands and additional concession carts. Debit/Credit cards are accepted at most stands.
Concession stands provide a large selection of foods and drinks guaranteed to satisfy any appetite. The offered food consists of:
- Dominic’s Italian Sausages and Cheese steaks
- Wildwing’s café chicken wings and bar-b-que
All-time favorites such as:
- Hamburgers
- Hotdogs
- Grilled Chicken
- Chicken wings
- Specialty popcorn provided by Blue Ridge Kettle Corn
- Fresh, cut fries provided by Boardwalk Fries
- Ice Cream by Ben & Jerry’s along with Dip-N-Dots
- Cheeseburgers
- Cotton Candy
- Chicken Fingers
All complemented by:
- Pepsi beverages
- Freshly squeezed lemonade
- The world's finest Arabica coffee beans roasted to order and brewed to taste provided by Greenberry's Coffee & Tea Company
Coolers
No coolers of any kind are permitted in John Paul Jones Arena. If accommodations need to be made for medical reasons, please contact us at 434-243-4960 at least 48 hours prior to the event you plan to attend.
Elevators
Public elevators are located on the concourse adjacent to sections 101, 109, 301, and 309.
Entrances/Exits
John Paul Jones Arena provides multiple entrances on the West side of the Arena, adjacent to the John Paul Jones Arena surface lot. For those with student tickets for UVA athletics, the entrance is located on the East side of the Arena adjacent to Massie Rd. For those guests that park in the parking deck, access to the Arena can be accommodated through the 2nd level entry doors.
Firearms/Weapons
No firearms or weapons of any kind are permitted in John Paul Jones Arena.
First Aid
The First Aid stations are located across from sections 309 and 109. In addition, if first aid is needed, please notify the nearest staff member.
Guest Concerns
John Paul Jones Arena is committed to providing proactive immediate response to issues affecting guests. Should a concern arise during an event, please visit the Guest Services Booth sponsored by ACAC at Section 310, on the main concourse, to have your concern addressed or make a nearby staff member aware of the concern.
Guest Conduct
In order to maintain a safe and enjoyable atmosphere, John Paul Jones Arena asks that guests be courteous to those around them and abide by Arena policies. Guests who use offensive or abusive language, behave in an unruly manner, or appear to be intoxicated are subject to removal.
Group Sales
For information regarding group sales to any non-UVA Athletic event, please contact John Paul Jones Arena's Group Sales office at 434-243-2159. For group sales to UVA Athletic events, contact the UVA Athletics Ticket Office at 1-800-542-8821.
Handouts
The distribution of promotional items, handbills, flyers, pamphlets, printed materials, as well as the solicitation of signatures is not permitted on John Paul Jones Arena property without the express written consent of the University of Virginia.
Location
The physical location of John Paul Jones Arena is:
295 Massie Rd.
Charlottesville, VA 22903
Lost & Found
For any situation regarding lost and found items during an event, please go to the Guest Services Booth sponsored by ACAC located at section 310 on the main concourse. During non-event times, please contact the Arena Security Office at 924-3993
Lost Parents/Children
Lost parents and children are taken to the John Paul Jones Arena Guest Services Booth sponsored by ACAC located at section 310 on the main concourse.
Merchandise
The UVA Team store is located at section 307 and is open Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-2:00 PM and during all UVA athletic events. For non-athletic events, there will be multiple merchandise locations located at Sections 307 and 310.
Parking
John Paul Jones Arena offers 1,300 parking spaces onsite located at the intersection of Massie Rd. & Copeley Rd.. In addition, 1,200 parking spaces are across the street from the Arena. Additional parking spaces are within a 5-7 minute walk of the Arena.
Parking passes may be purchased ahead of time at www.johnpauljonesarena.com by clicking the “Buy Tickets” link, by calling 1-888-JPJ-TIXS, in person at the John Paul Jones Arena Box Office or at select Plan 9 Music locations.
Public Transportation
John Paul Jones Arena is conveniently located on the University Transit Service Blue Route. Charlottesville Transit Services has pick up and drop off points along Routes 2, 5, and 7 adjacent to the Arena.
Reentry
Exiting and reentering with the same ticket is not permitted.
Restrooms
John Paul Jones Arena has multiple restrooms located throughout the arena. All restrooms are accessible for physically disabled guests. For the closest restroom, please see a guest services representative.
Smoking
John Paul Jones Arena is a smoke free facility. Outdoor smoking sections are provided at Sections 301 & 315
Strollers
Guests who would like to check strollers, may do so at the West Gate. Please see a Guest Services representative for assistance.
Ticketing
Musictoday is the official ticking company for John Paul Jones Arena.
To purchase tickets by internet visit the Arenas website at www.johnpauljonesarena.com and click the Buy Tickets link.
To purchase tickets by phone, please call 1-888-JPJ-TIXS
To purchase tickets in person, guests may visit a number of locations including the John Paul Jones Arena Box Office and select Plan 9 Music locations.
Albemarle Square, Route 29
214 Albemarle Square
Charlottesville, VA 22901
Phone: 434-974-9999
On the UVA Corner
1419 University Avenue
Charlottesville, VA 22903
Phone: 434-979-9999
Spotswood Valley Square, Kroger Shopping Center, Rt. 33
1790-96 E. Market Street
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Phone: 540-434-9999
Carytown
3012 W. Cary Street
Richmond, VA 23221
Phone: 804-353-9996
Williamsburg
141 Monticello Ave.
Williamsburg, VA 23185
Phone: 757-220-3246
Will Call: Tickets may be picked up at the Will Call window of John Paul Jones Arena located at the Main Entrance (West Gate). Photo identification is required.
Umbrellas
Umbrellas are permitted in John Paul Jones Arena. For certain events, a guest Services representative may request that you leave your umbrella at the Guest Services Booth sponsored by ACAC as you enter the building.
Water Fountains
Water fountains are located throughout the Arena on the Event, Lower, and Upper Levels.


