Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Baxter Arena

Baxter Arena is a multi-purpose indoor arena located on the campus of the (UNO) in , . Opened in 2015, it primarily serves as the home venue for UNO's athletic teams, including men's and women's , , and , with a of 7,898 for events. The facility was constructed on the former site of the Chili Greens Golf Course at a cost of approximately $90 million, funded through a public-private partnership involving community donors and the University of Nebraska Foundation. Named in June 2015 after the local Baxter Auto Group via a 10-year agreement valued at $4 million, the partnership was extended in April 2025 through 2030. In addition to university athletics, Baxter Arena hosts a variety of community and entertainment events, such as concerts, family shows, graduations, and civic gatherings, contributing to its role as a key venue in the Omaha area. The arena features state-of-the-art amenities, including a main competition rink and the adjacent Holland Ice Community Rink—named in honor of philanthropist Dick Holland—which supports public skating, youth and club hockey, figure skating, curling, and campus recreation programs. Construction began in spring 2014 under the leadership of Heritage Services of Omaha, marking a significant investment in UNO's athletic infrastructure and anchoring the development of on-campus facilities for sports including baseball and softball (opened 2021), with ongoing plans for tennis courts and an indoor track and field facility. Since its dedication on October 8, 2015, the arena has enhanced community engagement and supported the growth of UNO's athletics programs within the National Collegiate Hockey Conference and The Summit League.

History

Planning and development

The planning and development of Baxter Arena stemmed from a joint community-university partnership led by Heritage Services of Omaha, in collaboration with the (), the City of Omaha, and private donors facilitated through the University of Nebraska Foundation. This initiative sought to create a modern, on-campus facility to address the limitations of outdated off-campus venues, such as the , where UNO's athletic teams had long competed. Originally referred to as the UNO Community Arena during early discussions, the project was announced in October 2012 as part of broader efforts to integrate UNO's campus with the surrounding Aksarben Village neighborhood. By March 2013, the Board of Regents had approved the program statement, enabling focused and phases, with full secured later that year to support starting in spring 2014. The total project cost reached $90 million, broken down into $39 million from private donations, $39 million in bonds issued by the University of , $3.6 million from university funds, $6.4 million contributed by the City of Omaha, and $2 million from state sources. Lead donor Dick Holland played a pivotal role, with his contributions honored through the naming of the adjacent Holland Community Ice Rink. The core motivations driving the arena's development included elevating UNO's Division I athletics program by providing an on-campus home for —transitioning the team from distant practices—and other like men's and and , thereby improving recruitment of top student-athletes and enhancing overall campus visibility. Additionally, the facility was designed to foster in Aksarben Village by serving as a hub for events, programs, and civic activities, strengthening ties between the and Omaha's vibrant urban landscape.

Construction and opening

Construction of Baxter Arena began in the spring of 2014 on the University of Nebraska Omaha's Center Street Campus, with HDR, Inc. and Lempka Edson Architects serving as the design team responsible for master planning, architectural, and engineering services. The general contractor, Kiewit Building Group, Inc., oversaw the build, which included a 7,800-seat main arena and an adjacent community ice rink. The project was completed in October 2015, aligning with the facility's role in the broader redevelopment of the surrounding area. Situated adjacent to the Aksarben Village neighborhood in midtown Omaha, the arena was designed to integrate seamlessly into this revitalized entertainment and shopping district, enhancing connectivity between university facilities and community spaces. This location supported the neighborhood's transformation from a former venue into a , with the arena contributing to increased foot traffic and local economic activity. Baxter Arena officially opened to the public on October 23, 2015, coinciding with the men's hockey team's inaugural game against , which won 4-2. From the outset, the facility emphasized community engagement by allocating at least 33% of the community ice rink's time for public skating sessions and youth programs through the Holland Ice Community Rink, facilitating smooth integration of university athletics with broader Omaha-area ice activities.

Naming rights

During its planning phase, the arena was initially referred to as the Community Arena. In June 2015, shortly before its opening, the University of Nebraska at Omaha () announced a agreement with Baxter Auto Group, an Omaha-based automotive dealership network, renaming the venue Baxter Arena. The multi-year deal was valued at $400,000 annually for an initial 10-year term, totaling $4 million, and included options for renewal. This partnership aimed to enhance local visibility for both the university's athletics program and the sponsor's brand through prominent arena signage and event promotions. On April 17, 2025, and Baxter Auto extended the naming rights agreement, securing the Baxter Arena name through at least June 30, 2030. The extension builds on the original contract's success, with Baxter Auto continuing as a key supporter of Maverick athletics. The partnership has contributed to strengthened branding for athletics, correlating with increased fan engagement; for instance, over 160,000 guests attended events at Baxter Arena during the 2024-2025 sports season, including men's and , , and . This visibility has helped position the arena as a central hub for community and collegiate events in Omaha.

Facilities

Arena design and capacity

Baxter Arena was designed by HDR, Inc., in collaboration with Lempka + Edson Architects, to serve as a modern multi-use facility optimized for both ice hockey and basketball events. The architectural approach emphasizes versatility, with a primary arena bowl that accommodates seamless transitions between sports configurations, including a full-size competition ice sheet and provisions for basketball court installation. The arena features 7,500 fixed seats, supplemented by standing room options that expand to 7,898 for games. Key elements include an NHL-standard measuring 200 feet by 85 feet, basketball court overlays that enable rapid reconfiguration in under two hours, and sightline optimizations such as a steepened upper bowl pulled forward to enhance end-zone visibility for spectators. Accessibility is integrated throughout the design, with ADA-compliant seating available on the concourse and mezzanine levels, multiple elevators at entry points for multi-level access, and dedicated entryways supporting events with over 7,800 attendees. Situated within Omaha's Aksarben Village development, the arena's layout prioritizes efficient flow for large crowds.

Additional amenities

Baxter Arena features the adjacent Holland Ice Community Rink, a public skating facility offering open access for recreational use, including public skating sessions available to all ages and skill levels at a cost of $15 for admission and $5 for skate rentals. The rink supports lessons and youth programs through affiliated clubs such as the Club, Club, and Club, which provide training opportunities and organized activities for participants. The arena includes multiple concession areas with four main stands and several portable vendors offering items like , , domestic , and microbrews, all managed by Savor services that accept credit and debit cards. Hospitality options encompass 17 premium suites, each accommodating up to 16 guests with upscale furnishings, private bars, , and access to the Buildertrend Breakaway Lounge, alongside 820 club seats providing entry to an exclusive lounge with full-service bars, televisions, and private concessions for over 200 VIP guests in total. Parking at Baxter Arena provides more than 2,400 surface spaces on site, with additional options available throughout the surrounding Aksarben Village development, and complimentary access on a first-come, first-served basis for most events. The facility integrates with regional transportation via the nearby Aksarben Transit Center, which connects to multiple bus routes, and includes bike facilities such as racks at transit stops and access to the Heartland Bike Share program with stations in Aksarben Village featuring over 400 electric bikes. Sustainability features incorporated from the original 2015 construction include energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the building and a high-efficiency HVAC system with computer-based controls for temperature and humidity, utilizing variable refrigerant flow technology to optimize energy use.

Upgrades and renovations

In summer 2025, Baxter Arena underwent a significant technological upgrade with the installation of a new Daktronics continuous centerhung display system, enhancing the fan experience for hockey, basketball, and other events. The system features a 16.5-foot-high by 85-foot-circumference LED display capable of variable content zoning for live video replays, game statistics, and sponsorship messaging, complemented by a new ribbon board along the seating fascia for additional real-time updates and promotions. Two end-zone video walls, each measuring 6.5 feet by 12 feet, were also added at the main and north entrances to provide further visual engagement. This project was completed ahead of the fall and winter seasons, marking a key modernization effort without altering the arena's core structure. Since its opening in , Baxter Arena has seen incremental enhancements to support growing and demands. These updates aim to improve connectivity for spectators amid rising usage by athletics and community programming. No major structural renovations have occurred, with routine focused on preserving the facility's operational , such as periodic checks on ice-making systems and seating areas following the challenges of 2020. Looking ahead, discussions tied to the 2025 extension of through 2030 have highlighted potential for further venue expansions to accommodate evolving community needs, though no concrete projects have been announced as of late 2025.

Events and usage

Collegiate sports

Baxter Arena serves as the on-campus home for the () Mavericks' athletic teams, including men's , men's and women's , and women's . Opened in 2015, the facility has become the central hub for these programs, enabling dedicated competition spaces tailored to each sport. The men's team, a member of the (NCHC), transitioned to Baxter Arena from the following the latter's closure in 2014. Since its inaugural season at the venue, the Mavericks have hosted games, consistently ranking among the national leaders in attendance with an average of 7,043 fans per home game during the 2023-24 season. The arena's configuration seats 7,898 spectators, fostering an intimate atmosphere that supports the program's competitive edge. Men's and , along with women's , utilize a shared configuration within the arena, allowing seamless transitions between seasons. These programs contributed to a record-breaking 2024-25 season, drawing over 160,000 total guests across all sports events at the venue. Baxter Arena integrates closely with the athletic , housing team offices, administrative spaces, locker rooms, and rooms to support daily operations and athlete development. This on-site infrastructure enhances training efficiency and team cohesion for the resident programs.

Professional and community events

Baxter Arena has hosted professional events since 2022, serving as the home venue for the Omaha Kings FC of the (MASL2) and the Omaha Queens FC of the Women's Major Arena Soccer League (MASLW). The teams' 2025–26 season home opener is scheduled at the arena, continuing its role in supporting Nebraska's growing scene. These matches utilize the arena's flexible ice-to-floor conversion capabilities, drawing crowds for high-energy games. The venue regularly accommodates concerts and family-oriented entertainment, with configurations supporting audiences exceeding 7,500 in end-stage setups. Notable performances include rock acts like , Christian music tours by and , and basketball exhibitions by the . These events leverage the arena's advanced acoustics and staging systems, contributing to its reputation as a mid-sized touring stop in the Midwest. Community programming at Baxter Arena emphasizes accessibility through the adjacent Holland Community Ice sheet, which offers public skating sessions open to and skill levels, complete with skate rentals and concessions. hockey tournaments, such as the annual Winter and Twig Fest, utilize the facility for competitive play, fostering local talent development in Omaha's expanding . Corporate events, including conferences and banquets, are facilitated via customizable spaces that accommodate up to several hundred attendees. Annually, the arena hosts over 100 events beyond collegiate athletics, enhancing the vibrancy of Aksarben Village through increased foot traffic and local engagement. These activities generate significant economic benefits, with Omaha Athletics alone contributing $45.9 million in impact in 2024 via visitor spending, job creation, and regional promotion.

References

  1. [1]
    Baxter Arena - Facilities - Omaha Athletics
    The arena seats 7,898 for hockey and features both the main arena for competition and a community ice sheet that serves as both an alternate practice facility ...
  2. [2]
    History - Baxter Arena
    The building seats approximately 7,500 and features a competition/event arena as well as the Holland Ice Community Rink, named in honor of the late Dick Holland ...Missing: naming | Show results with:naming<|control11|><|separator|>
  3. [3]
    Welcome To "Baxter Arena" - Omaha Athletics
    Jun 3, 2015 · Today, UNO announced it has entered into an agreement with Baxter Auto to name the building “Baxter Arena.” It will serve as the new home for ...
  4. [4]
    Baxter Auto is paying $4 million for UNO arena naming rights - KETV
    Jun 4, 2015 · Omaha-based Baxter Auto is paying $4 million over 10 years for naming rights to the University of Nebraska at Omaha's new arena.Missing: origin | Show results with:origin
  5. [5]
    UNO, Baxter Auto Extend Naming Rights Partnership for Baxter Arena
    Apr 17, 2025 · The new agreement runs through 2030, marking a decade of athletic excellence, community engagement, and Omaha pride.
  6. [6]
    UNO Dedicates Baxter Arena - Omaha Athletics
    Oct 8, 2015 · On June 3, 2015, it was announced that Baxter Auto had entered into a naming rights agreement with the university, officially naming the ...
  7. [7]
    Frequently Asked Questions | Athletics | University of Nebraska Omaha
    Who was involved in raising money for Baxter Arena? Fundraising for Baxter Arena was led by Heritage Services of Omaha and the University of Nebraska Foundation ...
  8. [8]
    Nebraska board of regents approves program statement for new ...
    Mar 15, 2013 · The vote will now allow the project to move forward with fundraising and completing finalized designs for the arena. “The arena is a game- ...
  9. [9]
    UNO Closer to Opening New Arena - KIOS
    Jul 18, 2013 · Construction of the University/Community arena is planned to start in late 2013 with an expected completion date of June 2015. Tags. Politics & ...
  10. [10]
    New Baxter Arena Will Impact UNO And City Of Omaha
    It will be home to the school's men's and women's basketball teams, as well as the Maverick men's hockey team. Things have been pretty hectic at Aksarben ...
  11. [11]
    Baxter Arena - HDR
    HDR and Lempka Edson Architects completed master planning and architectural and engineering design services for the new arena. The arena offers a full-spectrum ...
  12. [12]
    University of Nebraska at Omaha, Baxter Arena | Kiewit Corporation
    Kiewit delivered the UNO Baxter Arena under budget and on time. Year Completed: 2015; Client: University of Nebraska at Omaha; Contract Amount: $77.6 million ...Missing: funding breakdown
  13. [13]
    Uno Baxter Arena | Molin Concrete Products
    The facility was designed to serve multiple activities including a home for UNO's hockey team as well as the school's basketball and volleyball programs and has ...
  14. [14]
    Baxter Arena - Rainwood Development Partners
    This $90 million multi-use facility is home for the University of Nebraska Omaha's hockey, men's basketball, women's basketball and volleyball teams.
  15. [15]
    Baxter Arena – University of Nebraska Omaha | Athletic Business
    Oct 1, 2015 · Located adjacent to the city of Omaha's booming Aksarben Village neighborhood, Baxter Arena is the new home of the University of Nebraska Omaha's hockey, ...
  16. [16]
    No. 1/2 Omaha Opens Baxter Arena Against Air Force
    Oct 22, 2015 · 1/2 Omaha Mavericks play their first games in their new home this week, hosting Air Force of Atlantic Hockey on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 23-24 ...Missing: opponent defending Midwest
  17. [17]
    Baxter Auto is paying $4 million for UNO arena naming rights
    Jun 3, 2015 · Omaha-based Baxter Auto is paying $4 million over 10 years for naming rights to the University of Nebraska at Omaha's new arena.
  18. [18]
    Univ. Of Nebraska-Omaha Lands Arena Naming-Rights Sponsor
    Jun 3, 2015 · The Univ. of Nebraska-Omaha today unveiled Baxter Auto as the naming-rights sponsor for the school's new $82M arena, which is "nearing ...
  19. [19]
    Omaha and Baxter Auto extend arena naming rights through 2030
    Apr 17, 2025 · The two have agreed to extend the arena's naming rights through at least June 30, 2030. The extension, announced this week, coincides with the ...
  20. [20]
    University of Nebraska Omaha: Baxter Arena keeping name ... - KETV
    Apr 17, 2025 · The University of Nebraska Omaha said Baxter Arena will keep its name through 2030. The university announced Thursday that it reached a deal ...Missing: history | Show results with:history
  21. [21]
    Baxter Arena | Lempka Architects
    Baxter Arena and Holland Community Ice Rink sit adjacent to and were designed to complement the mixed-use development of Aksarben Village.
  22. [22]
    A-Z Guide - Baxter Arena
    In June of 2015, it was announced that Omaha-based Baxter Auto had secured the naming rights as part of a 10-year agreement with the university. Baxter ...Missing: origin | Show results with:origin
  23. [23]
    Omaha's Baxter Arena transformed from a basketball court to a ...
    Mar 5, 2025 · Omaha's Baxter Arena transformed from a basketball court to a hockey rink in a matter of one hour and 45 minutes on Saturday .Missing: overlays | Show results with:overlays
  24. [24]
    Accessibility - Baxter Arena
    There is accessible seating just off the concourse level all around the arena. There are additional spaces available on the Mezzanine level. There are ...Missing: design features overlays sightlines
  25. [25]
    Public Skating - Holland Ice - Baxter Arena
    Public skating at Baxter Arena is $15 admission, $5 skate rental. No running, stick/puck play, or food/beverages on the ice. All skaters skate at own risk.
  26. [26]
    Home - Holland Ice - Baxter Arena
    Monthly Calendar, Public Skating, UNO, Student Events, Contact Us, Hockey Club, Figure Skating Club, Curling Club, Group PartiesPublic Skating · Monthly Calendar · Contact Us · UNO Student Events
  27. [27]
    Premium Seating & Hospitality - Omaha - Baxter Arena
    Suites include tickets to arena events (subject to availability), convenient parking adjacent to the arena, access to the premium club lounge, private bar, ...
  28. [28]
    Directions & Parking - Baxter Arena
    Complimentary Parking will be available on a first come, first serve basis. For some events, passes will be required for Lots 21, 22, 24, and 25.
  29. [29]
    Metro Announces Aksarben Transit Center
    Jul 26, 2018 · Construction began Thursday on the Aksarben Transit Center at 68 th & Mercy Road, which will feature new bus shelters, benches, and bike racks.Missing: light rail transportation
  30. [30]
    Heartland Bike Share - Visit Omaha
    One of the first all-electric bike share programs in the country, Omaha's bike sharing system includes 80+ stations and 400 ebikes.
  31. [31]
    Sustainable Buildings - University of Nebraska Omaha
    Baxter Arena (2015). Baxter Arena. Computer-based building controls for temperature and humidity levels; Photocells are used to monitor light levels for all ...Missing: features | Show results with:features
  32. [32]
    Continuous Centerhung Coming to the University of Nebraska at ...
    Jun 2, 2025 · The new centerhung scoreboard, ribbon boards and updated video screens at Baxter Arena represent a significant step forward in enhancing the fan experience.
  33. [33]
    Omaha Athletics unveils 2025-26 Baxter Arena fan experience ...
    Oct 1, 2025 · Fan-favorites such as water, soda, hot dogs, fries and popcorn will feature lower prices. New additions to Baxter Arena's food and beverage ...
  34. [34]
    Continuous Centerhung Coming to the University of Nebraska at ...
    Jun 3, 2025 · “The addition of the new centerhung scoreboard, ribbon boards, and upgraded screens is a game-changer for Baxter Arena,” says Sr. Associate ...Missing: renovations | Show results with:renovations
  35. [35]
    Omaha Hockey on X: "2023-24 through the numbers! ▪️ For the ...
    Apr 1, 2024 · ▪️ For the second season in a row, the Mavericks finished fourth in the NCAA in average attendance (7,043) ▪️ 7 sellouts at. @BaxterArena.Missing: UNO | Show results with:UNO
  36. [36]
    https://www.sportsvideo.org/2025/06/03/continuous-centerhung-coming-to-the-university-of-nebraska-at-omaha-from-daktronics/
  37. [37]
    Omaha Queens FC: Home
    News Slider. pause_circle. Kings and Queens Return to Baxter Arena for 2025–26 Season Home Opener. Read More. Omaha Queens FC 2025-26 Season Tryouts – MASLW.Missing: Forward | Show results with:Forward
  38. [38]
    Baxter Arena - Omaha, NE | Tickets, 2025-2026 Event ... - Ticketmaster
    Buy Baxter Arena tickets at Ticketmaster.com. Find Baxter Arena venue concert and event schedules, venue information, directions, and seating charts.
  39. [39]
    Baxter Arena Omaha, Tickets for Concerts & Music Events 2025
    Baxter Arena hosts concerts for a wide range of genres from artists such as Cheap Trick, tobyMac, and Crowder, having previously welcomed the likes of Zach ...
  40. [40]
    Baxter Arena Tickets & 2025 Concert Schedule - Omaha, NE
    Baxter Arena has a packed schedule for 2025-2026 with performances from top artists like Heart, Harlem Globetrotters, and TobyMac. Explore the full concert ...
  41. [41]
    Baxter Arena - 2025 show schedule & venue information - Live Nation
    Baxter Arena tickets and upcoming 2025 event schedule. Find details for Baxter Arena in Omaha, NE, including venue info and seating charts.
  42. [42]
    Omaha Winter Classic I Dec 5 - MYHockey Tournaments
    Fri Dec 5, 2025 - Sun Dec 7, 2025. Register. Omaha is a hidden gem in the Midwest that has transformed into a true hockey city over the past couple decades.Missing: skating | Show results with:skating
  43. [43]
    Join us April 18 - 19, 2026 at Holland Ice at UNO's Baxter Arena for ...
    Nov 1, 2025 · April 18 - 19, 2026 at Holland Ice at UNO's Baxter Arena for Twig Fest! This isn't your typical tournament! Twig Fest brings youth hockey ...
  44. [44]
    Book an Event Contact - Baxter Arena
    You can book many types of events at Baxter Arena includign graduations, conferences, and banquets. Click here to contact us to book an event!Missing: entertainment | Show results with:entertainment<|separator|>