Marts Center

- 292 S Franklin St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701

For residents of Pennsylvania, especially in the Wilkes-Barre area, finding a large-scale, versatile indoor facility for sports, events, and community gatherings can be a challenge. The Marts Center, located on the campus of Wilkes University, is a key local resource that serves this purpose. More than a typical gym, it is a multi-purpose arena that hosts a wide range of athletic and public events. This article is designed to give you a clear and informative overview of the Marts Center, helping you understand its role in the community and what you can expect when you visit. We will explore its key features, accessibility, and the types of events it typically accommodates, all from the perspective of a local user.

The Marts Center is an integral part of Wilkes University's athletic program, serving as the home for many of its varsity teams, including wrestling, basketball, and volleyball. However, its use extends far beyond collegiate sports. The center is also a venue for various public events, such as high school sports tournaments, concerts, and conventions. This dual-purpose nature makes it a unique hub for activity in Wilkes-Barre. While the facility is well-regarded for its role in hosting events, it is important to note that, as with any large venue, it may face challenges, such as managing crowds and ensuring proper ventilation during high-traffic events. We will touch upon these factors to provide a balanced and factual account of the user experience.

As we continue, you will learn about the Marts Center's location, making it easy to find for both locals and visitors. We'll outline its specific amenities, including the sports facilities and accessibility features that make it a welcoming space for all. We’ll also highlight some of its key features and provide the necessary contact information. By the end of this guide, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the Marts Center and why it is a vital part of the Wilkes-Barre community's sports and event landscape.

The Marts Center is prominently located at 292 S Franklin St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701, USA, on the campus of Wilkes University. This central downtown location makes it easily accessible from various parts of Wilkes-Barre and the surrounding towns. It is a well-known landmark, simplifying navigation for those attending events. For individuals with mobility needs, the facility is committed to providing a comfortable experience. It offers a wheelchair accessible entrance, a wheelchair accessible parking lot, and a wheelchair accessible restroom, ensuring that all guests can attend events and use the facilities with ease. The central address and available accessibility features make the Marts Center a convenient and inclusive venue for the community.

Services Offered

• Event Hosting: The Marts Center serves as a major venue for hosting a wide range of events, from collegiate and high school sports tournaments to large-scale public gatherings and concerts. It is a key resource for the local community for these purposes.
• Athletic Training and Competition: As part of Wilkes University, the center is the primary training and competition facility for multiple varsity sports teams, including basketball, volleyball, and wrestling.
• Volleyball Court Access: The facility includes a full-size volleyball court. While its primary use is for university teams, it is a key feature for the events and competitions it hosts.
• Restroom Facilities: The center provides accessible restroom facilities, which are essential for accommodating the large crowds that attend its events.
• Fitness Center Access: The Marts Center houses a fitness center for Wilkes University students and athletes. This center includes a variety of cardio equipment, free weights, and strength training machines. It is important to note that access to this specific fitness center is typically restricted to university-affiliated individuals and is not a public, membership-based gym.

Features / Highlights

• Multi-Purpose Arena: The most significant highlight of the Marts Center is its function as a versatile, multi-purpose arena. It has a large court area that can be configured for various sports, making it a flexible venue for a wide array of events.
• Collegiate Athletics Hub: For local sports fans, the Marts Center is the hub for Wilkes University's athletic events. Attending a game here is an opportunity to support local student-athletes and experience high-energy collegiate sports.
• Accessibility: The comprehensive accessibility features, including a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, and restrooms, are a major highlight, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity. This ensures that the facility is usable by people of all abilities.
• Location: Its downtown location is a key feature, making it a central point for community gatherings and sports events in the Wilkes-Barre area.
• Continuous Improvements: Public records indicate that the Marts Center has undergone significant renovations, including a new floor, bleachers, and updated sound and lighting systems. These improvements show a commitment to maintaining a modern and high-quality facility.

Contact Information

Address: 292 S Franklin St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701, USA

Phone: The general contact number for Wilkes University Athletics, which manages the facility, is often used for inquiries, but specific public numbers for the Marts Center are not commonly listed. It is best to reach out through the university's main directory or athletic department if you have questions.

What is worth choosing

For residents in the Pennsylvania region, particularly those in Wilkes-Barre, the Marts Center is a worthwhile choice for a specific set of needs. It is important to clarify that this is not a gym for a standard individual membership; rather, it is a major athletic and events facility. Its primary value lies in its role as a venue. If you are looking to attend a basketball game, a wrestling tournament, or a community event, the Marts Center is the premier location. Its size and capacity make it suitable for large gatherings, and its central location on the Wilkes University campus makes it a landmark in the city. The recent renovations have significantly improved the interior, ensuring a modern and comfortable experience for attendees. The comprehensive accessibility features, including a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, and restrooms, are a huge plus, making it a welcoming place for everyone in the community.

While some past reviews have noted issues with air circulation during specific crowded events, this is a common challenge for many large indoor venues and not a reflection of the facility's overall quality. The updated bleachers and other features, as confirmed by university athletic department information, are part of a continuous effort to enhance the fan and participant experience. The Marts Center's volleyball court and other sports facilities are of collegiate quality, providing an excellent environment for both athletes and spectators. In summary, the Marts Center is an excellent choice for anyone looking to support local sports, attend a large-scale event, or participate in a community gathering within a well-equipped and centrally located venue. Its purpose is to serve as a hub for athletics and events, and it fulfills this role admirably for the Wilkes-Barre community and beyond.

Marts Center

292 S Franklin St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701, USA