Photos Courtesy of Visit Omaha
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00
Baxter Arena 2425 S 67th St Omaha, NE 68106
Year Opened: 2015
Capacity: 7,898
New to Division I, New Arena, Omaha Mavs Are on the Rise
After over 50 years at the Sapp Fieldhouse, the UNO men’s basketball team has a new building on campus to call home. Baxter Arena opened in 2015, the same year that UNO completed its five-year transition into Division I athletics.
The men’s and women’s basketball teams share Baxter Arena with UNO hockey and volleyball.
Food & Beverage 4
All of your basics are covered at the 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 basketball fans need not worry, the 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 also has a local beer option from Infusion Brewing, which is located in Omaha’s Benson neighborhood.
Atmosphere 3
The arena was built primarily for the UNO hockey team, but it is more than serviceable for other sports as well.
The upper and lower bowls share the same concourse. It’s really easy to get to and from your seat, no matter where you are located. The seats are comfortable and each has its own cup holder. Most of the upper bowl is closed off for basketball games, and the arena staff puts large curtains down to help keep some of the sound in. As the fan base continues to grow, more and more of the upper bowl will be open for basketball games.
The video board that hangs over the court plays host to a variety of promotions and entertainment activities throughout the game. Dance cams, kiss cams, you name it. Just be sure to stick around for the taco cannon from Voodoo Taco, a restaurant right across the street from the arena.
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 postgame drink, Pauli’s has become the go to spot for Mavs 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 a 10-15 minute drive from downtown and the Old Market, which is a must see for any first time visitor to Omaha.
Fans 3
This is a fan base that is still growing. As the team continues to prove that it can compete at the Division I level, more and more fans will fill the seats.
There are usually around 2,500-3,500 spectators at basketball games. The crowd is a mix of long time supporters (going back to the Division II days at the Sapp Fieldhouse), recent alumni, and your casual local basketball fans.
UNO plays a fast-paced, exciting brand of basketball in the Summit League. Lots of the games are back and forth, high-scoring affairs. The building may not be full, but those who show up are very passionate about their team.
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 5
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 definitely adds to the value. You can expect to pay $10-$15 for an upper bowl seat 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.