Photos by Nolan Searl, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29
Baxter Arena
2425 S 67th St
Omaha, NE 68106
Year Opened: 2015
Capacity: 7,898
A New Era for Omaha Hockey
UNO hockey finally has a place of its own. Completed in 2015, Baxter Arena is UNO’s first on-campus arena. Since the program began in 1997, the Mavs have shared the Civic Auditorium and more recently the CenturyLink Center with Creighton men’s basketball. The $90-million arena lies just south of the school’s Pacific Campus and Aksarben Village.
Food & Beverage 4
All of your basics are covered at Baxter Arena. For those looking for something a little different, take a walk around the concourse and you’ll find something that grabs your interest.
Godfather’s Pizza, a popular Midwestern chain, offers pepperoni and hamburger pizza by the slice. At the 67th Street Kitchen, you can find fries topped with pulled pork and cheddar cheese, loaded tater tots with sour cream, bacon, and cheese, or even “taco tots.”
And hockey fans need not worry, Baxter Arena has beer. Shock Top and Stella Artois have kiosks with a few different options to choose from. All of your domestics are available as well at $7.50 for a 20-ounce. Right next to Godfather’s Pizza on the south side of the arena is The Blue Line bar. The lines there get long, so plan for that if you’re looking for some wine or a cocktail.
The Blue Line bar is also a local beer option from Infusion Brewing, which is based in Omaha’s Benson neighborhood.
Atmosphere 4
This is an arena that was built specifically for UNO hockey. The school’s colors are plastered all around the concourse. Even the concession stands have tied in some of the school’s history.
You won’t find a bad seat in the house, either. All of the upper bowl seats have great sightlines and are very easy to access. The upper and lower bowls share the same concourse. It’s always easy getting to and from your seat, no matter where you are at.
Throughout the game, there’s a multitude of giveaways and contests to keep everyone entertained. You’ll want to stick around for the Voodoo Taco taco cannon, for sure.
Neighborhood 5
Baxter Arena is right across from Aksarben Village, which is a newly developed area of businesses, restaurants, shops, apartments, and student housing.
For a pregame meal, Jimi D’s offers up the best food within walking distance. There’s also Dudley’s Pizza and Tavern (a popular place for UNO fans), and DJ’s Dugout, which has huge beers and more TVs than anyone else in town. There’s also Voodoo Taco, Ponzu Sushi, and a few other options. For a post-game drink, Pauli’s has become the go-to spot for Mav fans and visitors alike. It’s your standard neighborhood bar, but it’s always a good crowd after the game, win or lose.
The arena is about 10 to 15 minutes from downtown and the Old Market, which is a must-see for any first-time visitor to Omaha.
Fans 5
UNO hockey began in 1997, and they have had tremendous support ever since. Maverick fans always show up in large numbers, and they are consistently ranked in the top five nationally for attendance.
Most Nebraskan’s are diehard Cornhusker football fans. However, the Mav fans still fill up the building even if the team down in Lincoln is playing at the same time.
The “Mav Maniacs” and “The Red Army” are a couple of groups that are constantly coming up with chants and keeping the crowd energized throughout the game. With the arena being right next to campus, more students are going to the games as well.
A fan favorite, and unique UNO tradition, happens after the first Maverick goal of every game as a fish gets thrown onto the ice. What started as a rogue operation was eventually embraced by the university and the fans. Once the fish is on the ice, a guy driving a mini-Zamboni with a wheelie bar comes out and scoops it up in a net. It’s pretty hilarious.
Access 4
The arena is a short drive north of I-80. The 60th and 72nd Street exits will get you to the arena in just a few minutes. Head north until you hit Center Street, and you will run into the arena at 67th. You can’t miss it.
Parking in the arena lots is free, but they usually fill up. Luckily there is more parking available in surrounding neighborhoods.
Return on Investment 4
The food and drink prices are pretty standard when compared to other arenas in the area. You won’t be charged an arm and a leg for anything.
Free parking adds to the value. You can expect to pay $20-$30 for an upper bowl seat (unless North Dakota is coming to town) and an additional $20-$30 if you plan on eating and drinking at the game.
Extras 4
Download the Mav Experience app to get prices, menus, a map of the arena, and game updates. Baxter Arena also has free wifi, which is a nice touch. Another extra point for the university for investing in this arena for its hockey team, and fans.