UNO’s $75 million arena is scheduled to open in October.
The first seat was installed Monday in the arena at 67th and Center Streets in central Omaha. It’ll be the home of UNO athletics, but Chancellor John Christensen says it’ll also be a place for the community.
“This is only athletics part of the time. The remainder of the time is about the community, and about student life, so intramurals, entertainment, academic events, graduations, and a whole variety of great things that we look forward to sharing with the community.”
Christensen says the arena will be done in time for UNO’s October 23rd hockey game. Arena General Manager Mike Cera says he’s confident it’ll consistently attract events.
“I think our size differentiates us from other facilities in the area, being that 7,500 to 8,000 seats for other events perfectly positions us to not really compete with the other facilities in the area. We will get those type of events that are looking for that 7,500 to 8,000 seat crowd.”
UNO gathered input for the arena from members of Omaha’s 17 neighborhood associations.
The new facility, which right now is called the UNO/Community Arena, will feature two ice rinks.