
1st Summit Arena Cambria County War Memorial
A versatile venue in Johnstown, PA, hosting concerts, sports, and community events with great sound and no bad seats.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Experience the arena's vibrant atmosphere.

1st Summit Arena Cambria County War Memorial
Best Time
Experience the arena's vibrant atmosphere.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A versatile venue in Johnstown, PA, hosting concerts, sports, and community events with great sound and no bad seats.
"The sound was awesome for such a small venue. The entry process was very well organized and went quickly."

🚗 Parking Strategy
Arena parking can be tight; arrive early or explore nearby options.
🎶 Sound Quality
Enjoy excellent acoustics for concerts and events, even in a smaller venue.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

PIAA Championships
Home to the PIAA Team Wrestling and Competitive Spirit Championships for the next three years. A must-see for sports fans!

Concert & Live Music Venue
Experience electrifying performances from a variety of artists, with great sound and no bad seats in the house.

Johnstown Tomahawks Hockey
Catch a thrilling hockey game with the local team, the Johnstown Tomahawks.

9/11 Stair Climb
Honor first responders at this annual event, climbing 2,200 stairs to commemorate 9/11.
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Planning Your Visit
Navigating Event Day Crowds
Ticket Transparency
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arena parking can be tight; arrive early or explore nearby options.
🎶 Sound Quality
Enjoy excellent acoustics for concerts and events, even in a smaller venue.
🪑 Seating Comfort
Seats are generally comfortable, with no bad views reported.
💰 Affordable Concessions
Food and drink prices are reasonable compared to larger city venues.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arena parking can be tight; arrive early or explore nearby options.
🎶 Sound Quality
Enjoy excellent acoustics for concerts and events, even in a smaller venue.
🪑 Seating Comfort
Seats are generally comfortable, with no bad views reported.
💰 Affordable Concessions
Food and drink prices are reasonable compared to larger city venues.
🎟️ Ticket Considerations
VIP areas may be accessible to general admission ticket holders during some events.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the 1st Summit Arena for its excellent sound quality and the absence of bad seats, making for an enjoyable concert or event experience. The affordable concessions are also a significant plus. However, some attendees have noted issues with parking congestion and a lack of clarity regarding VIP versus general admission access during certain concerts.
"Recently saw both Chicago and then Dwight Yoakam with Philip Bowen here. The sound was awesome for such a small venue. The entry process was very well organized and went quickly. It was very easy to find your seat."
Dawn S
"Absolutely wonderful experience this time. Chicago and all their nostalgia. ❤️🔥🌟⚘️⚘️"
Melinda Fay
"Very nice venue! Seats are a little small, but all in all comfortable. No bad seat in the house. Food and drinks are affordable ,especially by comparison of the Pittsburgh venues. It is an enjoyable experience and I will be back!"
Greg Garner
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Parking at the arena can be challenging, especially during popular events. It's recommended to arrive early to secure a spot or consider alternative transportation.
Information on public transport routes to the arena is limited, but local bus services may be available within Johnstown. It's best to check local transit schedules.
The arena is located in Johnstown, PA, and is accessible via major roadways like US-219 and PA-56.
Specific park and ride facilities are not widely advertised, but exploring options in downtown Johnstown might be beneficial for larger events.
Driving is the most common method. Major highways like US-219 provide access to Johnstown.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are typically available through the official arena website, authorized ticket vendors, and sometimes at the box office on event days.
Yes, for concerts, there are often general admission and VIP ticket options. However, some visitors have noted that VIP areas can become accessible to general admission ticket holders.
Re-entry policies can vary by event. It's advisable to check with the venue or event organizer beforehand if you anticipate needing to leave and return.
Ticket availability on the day of the event depends on the popularity of the show. It's recommended to purchase in advance to guarantee entry.
Ticket prices vary significantly based on the event, seating location, and performer. Concerts and major sporting events will generally be more expensive.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The arena offers various seating options, and reviews suggest there are no bad seats in the house, with comfortable seating arrangements.
Yes, the arena offers food and drink concessions, which are noted to be affordably priced compared to larger venues.
The arena hosts a variety of events including concerts, PBR events, hockey games (Johnstown Tomahawks), and special events like the 9/11 Stair Climb.
While the arena is generally nice and clean, one reviewer mentioned potential concerns regarding handicap accessible parking. It's recommended to contact the venue directly for specific accommodations.
The sound quality at the arena is consistently praised as excellent for concerts and other live performances.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography and videography policies can vary by event. Some concerts have restricted policies, with security enforcing rules about standing to take pictures.
During some concerts, standing in designated areas to take photos was previously allowed, but recent experiences suggest stricter enforcement against standing for non-VIPs.
From any seat, you can capture good views of the stage or ice. For action shots during hockey games, closer seating might be preferable.
Typically, professional camera equipment with detachable lenses is not permitted for general admission attendees. Check event-specific rules.
You can capture vibrant concert performances, exciting hockey action, and the general atmosphere of live events.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When attending concerts or other events, families might appreciate the affordable concessions, making it easier to manage costs. While the arena is generally family-friendly, it's always a good idea to check the specific event's age restrictions or recommendations beforehand. The 9/11 Stair Climb is also an event that can be inspiring for older children and teens to witness or participate in.
🎸 Music Lovers
While the venue generally provides a fantastic musical experience, it's worth noting the feedback regarding VIP versus general admission access during some concerts. Despite this, the overall consensus is that the intimate setting and great acoustics make for memorable live music events. Planning your arrival to account for parking can help ensure you don't miss any of the performance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Event Experience at 1st Summit Arena
However, attendees should be aware of potential nuances. While the venue is generally well-organized, some concert-goers have reported experiences where the distinction between VIP and general admission areas became blurred, impacting the perceived value of VIP tickets. Additionally, recent concert experiences have seen stricter enforcement of rules regarding standing for non-VIP ticket holders, which can affect the freedom to move and take photos.
Despite these minor points, the overall sentiment remains positive. The arena offers affordable food and drink options compared to larger venues, adding to the overall positive visitor experience. It's a community hub that successfully brings diverse events to the Johnstown area.
Navigating Parking and Entry
To mitigate parking challenges, consider exploring alternative transportation methods. While specific park-and-ride options aren't always advertised, looking into parking in downtown Johnstown and walking or taking a short ride to the arena might be a viable strategy for larger events. For those attending local events like Johnstown Tomahawks games, familiarizing yourself with the arena's parking layout beforehand can also be helpful.
The entry process itself is generally reported as well-organized and quick, contributing to a smooth start to your event experience. However, as mentioned, understanding ticket types and potential access to different areas is important, particularly for concerts, to manage expectations.






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