Thursday, December 11, 2025

Visiting Fans Guide to Baxter Arena (Omaha, Nebraska)


Whether you’re planning your first trip to Omaha or returning for another weekend of college hockey, Baxter Arena is one of the easiest, most visitor-friendly rinks in the NCHC to navigate. This guide pulls together everything you need to know: where to stay, where to park, where to eat, and what to do while you’re in town so you can enjoy a smooth, stress-free game day.

Where to Stay Near Baxter Arena

Baxter Arena sits just south of Omaha’s Aksarben Village, a walkable shopping area with restaurants, shops, a movie theater, and several hotels. Many visiting fans choose to stay in Aksarben Village because of the convenience and the ability to walk to Baxter Arena.

Hotels in Aksarben Village (Walking Distance to Baxter Arena):

These properties are a 2-5 minute walk to/from the arena:

These are the most convenient options if you want a park-once during the weekend. Aksarben Village is lively but safe, and everything you might need — restaurants, bars, coffee, Wal-Mart, ice cream, dog park, movie theater — is close by.

Hotels Near I-80 (72nd Street / Grover Exit):

If you prefer newer hotels or something just a couple minutes’ drive from the arena, this corridor has several solid, budget-friendly options:

Note: We do NOT recommend the Comfort Inn & Suites Omaha Central at 72nd and Grover.

These hotels offer easy access to I-80 if you're traveling in and out quickly.

Tip: If you’re debating between two hotels, look at parking (free vs. paid), proximity to restaurants you might want to try, and walkability — especially if you want to avoid post-game traffic.

Where to Park at Baxter Arena

Baxter Arena is located in a mixed-use area with several lots immediately surrounding the building. Parking is straightforward, but availability can vary depending on other events happening in the Baxter Arena complex (on the community ice sheet at Baxter or at Maverick Park) or in Aksarben Village.

General Parking Notes:

  • Surface lots surround the arena on all sides; most are free, except for Lots 21, 22, and 25 (noted in blue below). Lot 27 is your best bet for free, close-by parking.

  • You can park in any of the garages in Aksarben Village for free and walk across Center Street to Baxter Arena. 

  • Arrive early if you want the most convenient spots, especially on Friday nights.


Recommended Lots for Visiting Fans:

  • Lot 27 (North of the Arena): Easiest in/out access to 67th/Center Street. You must enter from the Center Street entrance on 67th Street. Best for those staying in Aksarben Village or dining in Aksarben Village.

  • Lot 26 (South of the Arena, across the bridge): Easiest access for those staying at one of the 72nd and Grover hotels. Take Grover east and turn left at 67th. Note: Be careful walking on the bridge; there are a couple of uneven spots on the sidewalk to watch out for.

  • Aksarben Village Parking Garages: Free parking in the garages. It’s a 5-minute walk to Baxter Arena, but great if you’re dining in Aksarben Village before the game.

Rideshare Options:

Uber/Lyft drop-offs happen near the north arena entrance next to Lot 22. After the game, expect mild congestion but nothing unmanageable.

Where Visiting Fans Sit

Baxter Arena’s seating bowl is compact and designed with good sight lines from nearly every seat. Visiting fans will feel comfortable in most sections.

Here are some general guidelines:

  • Sections behind the visitor bench: Visiting fans frequently sit here if they want to be close to their team.

  • Lower bowl, north end (Section 122): Popular with families or fans who like more neutral territory. Protected from flying pucks by nets.

  • Lower bowl vs. upper bowl: The lower bowl offers a more immersive game-day experience, while the upper bowl provides excellent views of offensive zone setups. There are no ushers in the upper bowl so be mindful of hockey etiquette and wait for a whistle when coming to/leaving your seats. Visiting fans are often seated in the upper bowl in Section 223 or 224.

Where to Eat Near Baxter Arena

Omaha is a great food town, and Aksarben Village alone has enough options to fill a full weekend. The food options below are locally owned and operated, except for Betty Raes.

Aksarben Village (Walkable from Baxter):

Casual / Quick Options

  • Inner Rail Food Hall – Great for groups with varied tastes; multiple stalls, indoor/outdoor seating

Slightly Farther Out (2-10 Minute Drive):

    • First Watch – Fresh-made breakfast, brunch, and lunch (72/Pacific)

    Nebraska Classics:

    • Runza (stuffed meat pie, similar to bierock)

    Things to Do in Omaha

    Whether you’re spending just a few hours before puck drop or planning a full weekend, Omaha has a nice selection of indoor and outdoor attractions.

    Signature Attractions:

    • Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium 
      Consistently one of the highest-rated zoos in the country. Highlights include the Desert Dome, Lied Jungle, Gorilla Valley, and the Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium. You can easily spend a half or full day.

    • The Old Market District Omaha’s historic brick-paved district filled with restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and bars. Great for strolling, browsing, or grabbing a post-game bite. Parking can be a bit of a challenge, so download the ParkOmaha app. 


    • Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge 
      A scenic footbridge that connects Nebraska and Iowa — you can get the classic “I stood in two states at once!” photo. 

    Other Popular Stops

    What to Expect at Baxter Arena

    A quick handful of practical notes for visiting fans:

    • Entrances: Main entrances are on the north and west sides. Doors open 60 minutes before game time.

    • Bag policy: Standard clear bag policy; small clutches permitted. Metal detectors at all entrances.

    • Concessions: Rotating menu with local vendors; lines move efficiently. Card only (no cash). Get your food pre-game; concourses are busy and crowded during intermissions.

    • Atmosphere: Loud but family-friendly; music volume and lighting are modern arena-style. (Earplugs recommended for sensitive ears.)

    • Merch: The Lawlor’s pop-up is located near the north entrance and is open before and during the game. (But only for a limited time after the game.) Card only.

    Final Tips

    • Bundle activities in Aksarben Village if you’d rather avoid driving — everything is nearby.

    • Check the weather in winter months; Omaha can swing between mild and very cold.

    • Plan zoo visits early in the day if attending a 7 p.m. game — the zoo is HUGE. The zoo closes early (4 p.m.) between November-March.

    • If you’re unsure about a hotel choice, look at walkability and parking. It varies by property.

    at
    Labels: ,

    No comments:

    Post a Comment

    Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)