Neches Federal Credit Union Arena at the Montagne Center

The Neches Federal Credit Union Arena at the Montagne Center, which opened in 1984, is a showplace for Lamar University. Designed especially for the basketball program, the 10,080-seat arena serves the university’s needs in various ways.

The facility houses the men’s and women’s basketball offices, in addition to the golf office, the media relations office, the marketing and development offices and the Cardinal Sports Network. It is used for concerts, commencements, banquets and other large audience events. Continuing education classes are also held in the facility.

In addition to the new court, which was installed prior to the start of the 2023-24 season, the arena contains a renovated Presidential Suite that overlooks both the arena floor and Provost Umphrey Stadium, the Morgan Suites (which also overlook the football stadium), the Cardinal Room, four locker rooms, a weight room, a players’ lounge, film room, study hall, athletic training room and a new state-of-art videoboard (thanks to a donation from the Conn-McCurry Family in memory of C.W. and Dorothy Anne Conn).

One of the largest single-construction items in the more than 100-year history of Lamar, Neches Arena was built in just 18 months (June 20, 1983-November 1984). The facility originally seated 8,000, but capacity was expanded in 1985. It is located adjacent to Provost Umphrey Stadium on the east side of MLK Parkway across from the main campus.

An exterior elevator facing the main parking lot was added to accommodate special need guests to the facility.

The facility is named for late Orangefield resident A.H. (Bob) Montagne who served 22 years as a Lamar University regent including 13 years as board vice chairman and 17 years as chairman of the athletic committee.