Salem Civic Center

The Salem Civic Center is a versatile 6,820-seat arena located in Salem, Virginia, established in 1967 as part of the James E. Taliaferro Sports and Entertainment Complex. Originally known as the Salem-Roanoke Valley Civic Center, it has hosted various sporting events, including ice hockey and NCAA basketball championships, as well as concerts, conventions, and the annual Roanoke Valley Horse Show. Notably, it gained fame for a scene in the 2006 film Borat, where the main character humorously sang a parody of the Kazakhstan national anthem. With 40,000 square feet of space, it serves as the largest convention facility in the Roanoke Valley, making it a key destination for both tourists and researchers interested in local culture and events.