Bank of Colorado Arena - Northern Colorado Bears
- Ben Alkaly
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Photos by Ben Alkaly and Meg Minard, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43
Bank of Colorado Arena 1600 14th Ave Greeley, CO 80631
Year Opened: 1975
Capacity: 2,734
UNC Bears Basketball
On the windswept plains of Northeast Colorado sits the youngest of the Centennial State’s five NCAA Division I members, who play in its smallest basketball venue.
The University of Northern Colorado Bears ply their trade at Bank of Colorado Arena in Greeley, about 65 miles northeast of Denver. In these parts, UNC doesn’t refer to the college basketball blue-blood on Tobacco Road. Greeley has grown from an agricultural town into a medium-sized city, but with relatively few entertainment options for the community, a night out supporting the Bears helps fill that void.
The 2,734-seat Bank of Colorado Arena is an intimate venue with an “erector set” feel, with retractable bleachers on all four sides. Behind the north baseline is the entrance and tiny concession and merchandise areas, while there are large gaps in the four courtside corners, allowing for easy ingress and egress. If only the parking were so seamless…
Food & Beverage 2
The concession options at Bank of Colorado Arena are unlikely to win a James Bears Award anytime soon. To the right as you enter is a cinder-blocked shack selling hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, popcorn, chips, candy, and sodas. The highest-priced menu item is $5.50, so you won’t break the bank. In the opposite direction from the entrance is the Bears Inn, with beer ($7), hard seltzer ($8), and a slushie called Siberian Chill ($5), which you can get spiked for an extra $4. That’s pretty much it on the food and beverage front.
Atmosphere 3
Seating is comfortable throughout, with gently sloping bleachers and ample legroom. The "Bear Den" student section is located behind one basket, but student support falls well short of the rowdy atmosphere you might find at a college hoops powerhouse. Sideline seating runs from rows A to Q, with most featuring cushioned, blue fold-down seats; the top three rows offer bench seating without backs.
Accessibility is thoughtfully considered: low-rise steps and handrails throughout the seating areas make navigation easier for all attendees. For a dead-center view of the UNC logo, Section M is your best bet.

Bank of Colorado Arena could benefit from upgraded tech, with two modest video boards tucked into diagonal corners, a dot matrix scoreboard against the wall, and nothing above the court.
Neighborhood 3
Greeley is a growing college town with an increasing array of reasons to hang around beyond a Bears’ game. Two miles from the arena, the historic downtown along 8th Avenue features dining spots like JBs Drive-In, Daruma Japanese, Roma Restaurant (pizza and beer), and Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant. Colorado loves its craft beer, and Greeley has hop-heads covered. WeldWerks Brewing Co., is known for its popular IPAs, while Brix Brewery & Taphouse offers 60 rotating taps.
For local attractions, consider visiting the Meeker Home Museum, the Centennial Village Museum, or the Colorado Model Railroad Museum. An early or late-season Bears’ hoops game might coincide with UNC football or baseball/softball season, respectively.
Nearby lodging includes the DoubleTree by Hilton Greeley at Lincoln Park, Clarion Hotel & Conference Center, and the Currier Inn B&B, all located near downtown.
Fans 3
Attendance has increased steadily as the Bears gain footing in D1 and the Big Sky Conference, averaging over 1,300 per game during the 2024–25 season, up from earlier years. A mix of students, alumni, families, and fellow athletes fills the stands, making for a community-oriented atmosphere.
Access 2
The home of the Bears is west of U.S. 85 and north of U.S. 34, the two main points of access to Greeley, in the southeast part of town. Along either route, you’ll drive through some *ahem* odiferous farmland.
The parking setup needs an overhaul. I sat in a long line of cars along 17th Ave., waiting to enter UNC’s M lot. Upon reaching the attendant, I was informed it was $10 – cash only – which I did not have. I U-turned and tried the farther Y lot, only to again be told cash only. The attendant took pity on me and granted free parking, but I missed tipoff. Pre-pay or credit card options will cultivate a fan-friendly start to the gameday experience.
Return on Investment 3
While not flashy, Bank of Colorado Arena delivers a quality two-hour sports experience at a modest cost. As of 2024-25, fan-friendly ticket prices range from $7 for youth general admission to $17 for adult premium reserved. The aforementioned affordable concession prices enhance the value.
Extras 1
It requires a bit of driving, but you could combine a day of skiing in the Rockies with an evening game at UNC. The closest slopes to campus are on Eldora Mountain, located about 80 miles west. A trip to Eldora will take you through Boulder, home of the University of Colorado and a worth a stop in its own right.
Final Thoughts
Bank of Colorado Arena holds its own among the smaller college hoops venues nationwide: Easy to navigate, comfortable, and community-driven. It may not boast high-end amenities, but it delivers an inviting and thoroughly enjoyable gameday experience. For basketball fans looking to explore beyond the power conferences, this is a worthwhile trip.
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