Rent a Bus to Baxter Arena: The Complete Transportation Guide

Baxter Arena is one of the loudest buildings in college hockey — a 7,898-seat arena where the Red Army bangs on blue trash cans, a frozen fish flies onto the ice after the first goal, and visiting teams consistently call it one of the toughest environments in the NCHC. Getting your group there without the parking scramble on South 67th Street is the only part of the experience that requires any advance thought. The single question that decides whether your group walks in together or spends twenty minutes searching for a spot: where does the bus actually go?

This guide answers it plainly, using Baxter Arena's own published information, and then covers everything else a group needs — which vehicle fits your headcount, what the ride costs, how the lot system works on event nights, and what to do before and after the game in Aksarben Village. Party Bus in Omaha runs groups to Baxter Arena all season long, so the details below come from doing it, not from guessing at a parking map.

Why Rent a Bus to Baxter Arena?

Baxter Arena sits in Aksarben, south of West Center Road and north of I-80, in a dense mixed-use neighborhood where parking fills up fast and the streets around S 67th Street run slow when 7,500 fans arrive at once. The lots adjacent to the arena — Lots 21 through 27 — total more than 2,400 stalls, but on sellout nights they're gone well before puck drop. Lots 21, 22, 24, and 25 require passes for most events, and the Aksarben Village garages north of Center Street fill quickly once the arena lots are claimed.

A bus to Baxter Arena skips all of it. Your group loads up at one spot, rides together, and unloads near the arena entrance — no splitting into a caravan of cars, no pass to buy in advance, no one circling the block on S 67th. The Mavericks sold out seven home games during the 2023–24 season, including five consecutive to close the regular season.

High-demand dates like the November home opener against North Dakota, the February showdown with Denver, or any NCHC postseason run at Kemp Ice book up fast. When parking passes are gone, they're gone — an Omaha party bus rental takes care of that problem entirely by settling the transportation question the moment you book.

Charter Bus Drop-Off & Parking at Baxter Arena

Here is the part most rental guides skip over or leave vague — so let's go straight to the venue's own information.

Baxter Arena's parking map designates the lots surrounding the arena by number: Lots 21, 22, 24, and 25 are the closest to the building and require pre-purchased passes for ticketed events. Lots 23, 26, and 27 operate as general parking on a first-come, first-served basis. For oversized vehicles including buses, the approach is S 67th Street southbound to the arena campus, with curbside drop-off available along the arena's main frontage before the lot entrance.

Your bus drops your group at the door, then waits in the surrounding area while your crew is inside.

The rideshare pickup zone — where Uber and Lyft direct passengers after events — is at the corner of S 67th Street and Castelar Street. That's outside the arena perimeter, which means anyone relying on rideshare after the game walks out, waits at the curb, and hopes for surge pricing that doesn't sting. A private bus waits nearby and pulls up when your group is ready — no app, no wait, no post-game fare spike.

The Lot System, Explained

Knowing which lot is which matters because the pass color on your ticket determines where you enter and park, and it's not always obvious from the outside. Here's how the Baxter Arena lot system breaks down for game nights:

• Lot 21: The closest and most restricted. Reserved for vehicles displaying a valid, state-issued handicapped parking permit. Fills immediately for sellouts — arrive early or you'll be redirected.
• Lots 22, 24, and 25: Premium reserved lots requiring pre-purchased passes. Available on the Omaha Athletics ticketing portal before the event; no walk-up pass sales on busy nights.
• Lots 23, 26, and 27: General free parking on a first-come, first-served basis. These fill within the first hour on hockey nights.
• Aksarben Village garages: Overflow parking north of Center Street, a short walk from the arena. Useful for late arrivals when the arena lots are full.

For a bus group, this entire system becomes irrelevant. One vehicle means one drop-off, one pickup — no pass required, no lot assignment to track. We recommend checking the official Baxter Arena website before your event to confirm current parking procedures for your specific date, since major concerts and NCHC postseason events may have adjusted lot assignments.

Confirm the Plan When You Book

The lot setup at Baxter Arena shifts by event type. Regular-season hockey nights run the standard 21–27 configuration; NCHC postseason play and concert events like a sold-out touring act can close certain lots to general traffic entirely, with police-directed flows on S 67th Street well before the doors open. UNO's commencement ceremonies — held at Baxter Arena each spring — redirect traffic off West Center Road and add 30 minutes to typical drive times for anyone trying to navigate the neighborhood without advance planning.

When you reserve with Party Bus In Omaha, we confirm your group's exact drop point and approach route for your specific event date, because the plan changes and we keep up with it so you don't have to. The 24/7 reservation team is always one call away at 402-973-1398 to walk through any logistics before game day.

Baxter Arena Transportation: Every Option Compared

We're a bus company, so we'll be straight with you: a private bus isn't the right answer for every group. Here's an honest look at how your options stack up for a hockey night at Baxter Arena.

The honest read: for one or two people, rideshare or driving is probably fine. But once you're past a few cars' worth of people — a work group, a hockey watch-party crew, a friend group making a weekend of it — the coordination cost of separate vehicles tips decisively toward one bus. Different arrival times, different lot assignments, no one who can drink freely on the way home.

That's the group this guide is written for.

Metro's ORBT rapid bus runs along Dodge Street between downtown and Westroads, but there's no direct public transit line to Baxter Arena on S 67th Street. Anyone using Metro on a hockey night will transfer at least once and walk the final stretch — workable for a solo commuter, not practical for a group of 20 with gear.

What Size Bus Does Your Group Need?

The right vehicle is the one that seats everyone and gets there comfortably — and for a hockey game in Omaha's February cold, climate control and a short walk from the curb earn their keep. Here's how the fleet breaks down for a Baxter Arena run.

For groups wanting to roll in with the energy already up, a 15- to 50-passenger party bus rental in Omaha fits the hockey-night vibe — built-in bar, color-changing LED lighting, and a Bluetooth sound system to keep the momentum from pickup all the way to the Red Army section. For larger outings or groups traveling with gear, a full-size charter bus gives you deep undercarriage bays and an onboard restroom for the ride back. ADA-accessible vehicles are always available — just let us know before your trip date so we can arrange the right vehicle.

Bus Rental Prices for Baxter Arena

Party Bus In Omaha provides all-inclusive pricing online in under 30 seconds — you'll know the exact number before you ever book. There's no single sticker price because the quote depends on a few clear factors:

• Vehicle size — a 56-passenger charter bus and a 14-passenger Sprinter limo are priced differently.
• Total hours — how long the vehicle is reserved for your group, including pre-game time and the post-game wait.
• Date — NCHC rivalry weekends, sellout nights, and weekend games price differently than a Tuesday nonconference game.
• Mileage and pickup location — a group originating in West Omaha is a shorter run than a group coming in from Council Bluffs or Lincoln.

As a guide: 14-passenger Sprinter limos run $170–$344/hour; 15–20 passenger party buses run $204–$378/hour; 20–30 passenger party buses run $244–$414/hour; 35–50 passenger party buses and minibuses run $294–$490/hour; and 40–56 passenger charter buses run $150–$300/hour or $1,200–$2,500/day. Pricing varies by mileage, time of year, and vehicle type, but you will never be surprised by hidden costs.

The value math is worth knowing. Once you split one bus across 30 or 40 people, the per-head cost often beats coordinating separate cars — each paying for parking, each adding the chance that someone gets separated on S 67th Street or ends up in the wrong lot. One bus, one flat number.

Call 402-973-1398 any time for a free quote, or use the online tool for instant availability.

A Real Game-Night Example

For a Friday night NCHC series opener against North Dakota last November, a 34-person fan group booked a 40-passenger party bus. Pickup was at 6:00 PM from a residence in Dundee, at the arena's S 67th Street curbside by 6:45 PM — well ahead of the 7:07 PM puck drop. The group walked directly into the arena and found their seats in the lower bowl before warm-ups ended.

After the final buzzer, the bus waited one block over and pulled to the curb within ten minutes of the group exiting. The 5-hour all-inclusive rental came to $1,450 — about $43 per person, including the pre-game energy, the ride home, and nobody drawing straws about who stays sober in a Nebraska winter.

Getting to Baxter Arena: Routes, Traffic & Timing

Baxter Arena sits at 2425 S 67th Street, roughly a mile south of West Center Road and two miles north of I-80, in the Aksarben neighborhood. The two standard approaches from the interstate are the 60th Street exit off I-80 and the 72nd Street exit off I-80 — head north on either until you hit Center Street, then cut east or west to S 67th. From there, the arena is visible.

Those numbers stretch on game nights. S 67th Street backs up in both directions during the hour before puck drop as fans funnel into the arena lots from West Center Road and from the I-80 exits simultaneously. The university recommends adding 30 minutes to your commute time for major events, and that's before accounting for any lot-specific closures.

UNO has explicitly advised fans to avoid West Center Road during high-attendance events due to pedestrian and vehicle congestion along that corridor.

A bus cuts through all of that. The route is planned around the day's conditions, the approach comes from whatever direction clears fastest, and your group walks in while other fans are still hunting for the last open spot in Lot 27. Call 402-973-1398 to lock in your date and let us handle the routing.

Flying In from Out of Town? Eppley Airfield & Hotel Blocks

Omaha Eppley Airfield (OMA) sits about 9 miles northeast of Baxter Arena — roughly a 15–20 minute drive under normal conditions, running west on I-480 to I-80 and catching the 72nd Street exit south. For visiting fan groups flying in for an NCHC weekend series, one bus picks up the whole group at baggage claim and runs straight to the hotel or the arena, instead of splitting everyone across a string of rideshares on arrival day.

The Aksarben Village area adjacent to the arena has its own hotel supply: the Aloft Omaha Aksarben Village and the Residence Inn by Marriott Omaha Aksarben Village are both within walking distance of the arena and are natural choices for visiting fan groups who want to stay close. A bus running a hotel loop from Aksarben properties to the arena and back keeps your whole group on the same schedule, with no one stranded when the last rideshare surge hits at 10:30 PM.

The Game-Day Experience at Baxter Arena

Baxter Arena hosts a lot of events — concerts, basketball, volleyball, commencement — but nothing defines the building like Mavericks hockey. A few things first-timers should know before they walk in.

The Red Army. The fan section in the lower bowl, section 112, bangs on blue trash cans as drums and runs the organized chant game. They're the reason visiting coaches call Baxter one of the harder venues in the NCHC.

Get there early enough to hear the pre-game energy build — the lower bowl fills 20 minutes before puck drop on sellout nights.

The fish toss. When the Mavericks score their first goal of the game, a frozen fish flies onto the ice from section 118. It's exactly what it sounds like, and it's been happening for decades.

If you've never seen it, pick a seat in the lower bowl. It's one of the more unique traditions in college hockey.

Unleash the Fury. Before the third period, a hype video fires up the building. If the game is close, this is the moment Baxter Arena earns its reputation.

Concessions and food. Godfather's Pizza, the 67th Street Kitchen (taco tots, pulled pork fries), and the Blue Line bar with local Infusion Brewing selections are all available on the concourse. Domestic beers run about $7.50 for 20 oz.

The concourse is a unified loop between upper and lower bowls, so moving around is easier than in most arenas this size.

After the game. Aksarben Village is immediately north. Pauli's is the go-to post-game spot for Mavericks fans; Inner Rail Food Hall on the village strip has nine vendors if the group can't agree on one thing.

DJ's Dugout handles the sports-bar contingent. A bus gets your group there together — no one waiting for a rideshare in the cold while half the crew already has a table.

The 2025–26 UNO Mavericks Hockey Home Schedule

The Mavericks play their home schedule at Kemp Ice at Baxter Arena, competing in the NCHC — one of the toughest conferences in college hockey. The 2025–26 home slate includes six NCHC series at Baxter Arena, with games typically scheduled as Friday/Saturday two-game series. Mark these dates if you're building a season around the arena:

• November 7–8: North Dakota — the NCHC home opener. Fighting Hawks games at Baxter have historically drawn close to capacity; book transportation well in advance for this one.
• November 21–22: Western Michigan — defending national and NCHC champions. Expect a sellout crowd.
• January 9–10: St. Cloud State — a program with four national titles that always travels with a contingent of fans.
• January 23–24: Colorado College — the Tigers are a natural rival for Omaha in the NCHC standings.
• February 13–14: Denver — the Pioneers are one of the most consistent programs in the country; this is a marquee mid-winter series.
• February 27–28: Miami (Ohio) — the regular-season home finale, which often carries playoff seeding implications.

The full schedule, including nonconference home games, is available at Omaha Athletics. Group tickets can be purchased through the Baxter Arena box office at 402-554-MAVS or at the Mavericks' Ticketmaster portal. Call early for the North Dakota and Western Michigan weekends — those two-game series move fast.

Trip Types We Cover to Baxter Arena

Different groups, same goal — everyone arrives together, on time, and ready to make noise in the Red Army section. A few of the runs we handle most often:

• Fan groups and hockey nights out. A group of 20 to 50 people who want to arrive together, drink together, and not have to sort out who stays sober to drive home in a Nebraska winter. A party bus rental in Omaha handles every piece of that equation.
• Corporate outings. Companies in the Aksarben corridor and downtown Omaha use Baxter Arena hockey nights as team events. A minibus picks up from the office, drops at the door, and returns after the final buzzer — no one navigating the lot on their own.
• Out-of-town visiting fan groups. Fans of North Dakota, St. Cloud State, Denver, or Western Michigan flying into Eppley who need a coordinated transfer from OMA to a hotel to the arena and back. One bus, one schedule, no rideshare coordination for 30 people who just landed.
• Birthday and milestone celebrations. A hockey game at Baxter Arena is a genuinely fun group night — pair it with a party bus with LED lighting and a built-in bar for the ride, and the pre-game is half the evening.
• School and youth groups. UNO hockey is an accessible college sports experience for school-age groups. A charter bus handles the logistics from school or community center to the arena and back, keeping chaperones sane and kids together.

Bag Policy & Arena Rules

Baxter Arena enforces a clear bag policy for all ticketed events. Know the rules before your group gets to the security line:

• Permitted: One clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC tote bag no larger than 12 inches tall x 12 inches long x 6 inches wide, or a one-gallon clear zip-lock bag. Additionally, one small opaque clutch or wallet no larger than 4.5 inches tall x 6.5 inches long, after security screening.
• One bag per ticket holder. No exceptions at the entrance.
• Prohibited: Backpacks, fanny packs, oversized bags, tinted or opaque totes, outside food and beverages, pro-grade cameras, and artificial noise-makers (though the Red Army's trash-can drums are arena-provided).
• Medical necessity bags receive security screening and tagging — flag this at entry.
• Diaper bags must be clear plastic. The larger tote size applies.

Doors typically open 60 minutes before events. Arrive early — a group of 20 people clearing security in one wave takes longer than one person, so build in 15 extra minutes and no one misses warm-ups.

Booking Your Bus to Baxter Arena

Booking a bus to Baxter Arena takes three steps and about five minutes:

1. Request a quote with your group size, pickup location, event date, and how much time before puck drop you want to arrive.
2. Confirm the vehicle and drop point. We lock in the right size for your headcount and verify the current approach for your specific event date.
3. Set your post-game pickup window. Agree on a time and spot with our team in advance — the bus waits nearby and is right there when you exit, no waiting for a surge-priced ride in a Nebraska winter.

A few questions we hear regularly: How early should we arrive? For a 7:07 PM puck drop, a 6:00 PM departure from your pickup point is comfortable; for a sellout, 5:45 PM gives the group time to explore the concourse. Can the bus wait during the game?

Yes — the bus is reserved as a block of hours, so it waits nearby and is ready when the game ends. How far ahead should we book? For North Dakota, Western Michigan, and any NCHC postseason games at Baxter, book as soon as your tickets are confirmed.

For regular-season weeknight games, two to three weeks of lead time is typically enough — but the earlier you call, the better your vehicle options. Call 402-973-1398 any time to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does a charter bus drop off at Baxter Arena?

Curbside drop-off is available along the S 67th Street frontage of the arena, which puts your group steps from the main entrance. The bus can then wait in the surrounding area during the event. Rideshare pickup after the game is directed to the corner of S 67th Street and Castelar Street — a walk from the arena exit that a private bus cuts out entirely.

Is there dedicated bus parking at Baxter Arena?

Baxter Arena has a loading dock area with bus hookups for oversized vehicles, and the surrounding lots can accommodate a parked bus during an event. For specific group parking arrangements, contact the arena directly at 402-554-6200 or email info@baxterarena.com ahead of your visit. We coordinate these logistics as part of your booking.

How much does it cost to rent a bus to Baxter Arena?

Pricing depends on vehicle size, total hours, event date, and your pickup location. As a guide: Sprinter limos run $170–$344/hour; 15–20 passenger party buses run $204–$378/hour; 20–30 passenger party buses run $244–$414/hour; 35–50 passenger party buses and minibuses run $294–$490/hour; and full-size charter buses run $150–$300/hour. Get an all-inclusive quote in under 30 seconds at 402-973-1398 — no hidden costs, no commitment.

What are the parking options at Baxter Arena?

The arena has more than 2,400 total stalls in Lots 21–27. Lots 21, 22, 24, and 25 require pre-purchased passes for most events. Lots 23, 26, and 27 are first-come, first-served general parking.

ADA parking is in Lot 21 for vehicles displaying a valid state handicapped permit. Aksarben Village garages north of Center Street serve as overflow. For most sellout nights, all lots are full by 30 minutes before puck drop.

What is the bag policy at Baxter Arena?

One clear bag no larger than 12" x 12" x 6" (or a one-gallon zip-lock), plus one small opaque clutch no larger than 4.5" x 6.5". One bag per ticket holder. Backpacks and non-clear bags are prohibited.

Medical necessity bags are screened and tagged at entry. See the full clear bag policy on Omaha Athletics.

Are ADA-accessible buses available for Baxter Arena trips?

Yes — ADA-accessible vehicles are always available. Let us know your needs when you book and we'll arrange the right vehicle. For ADA seating inside the arena, the venue has approximately 118 ADA-approved seating spaces; contact the Baxter Arena box office at 402-554-MAVS at least two weeks before your event to arrange accommodations.

What are the best nearby restaurants before a game?

Aksarben Village, immediately north of the arena, is the natural pre-game strip. Jimi D's, Voodoo Taco, Inner Rail Food Hall, Dudley's Pizza, and Pauli's are all within a five-minute walk. A bus drops your group in the village for dinner, then circles back to the arena for puck drop — no parking twice, no split bills for which car goes where.

How far is Baxter Arena from Eppley Airfield?

About 9 miles — typically a 15–20 minute drive west on I-480 to I-80, then south on the 72nd Street exit. For visiting fan groups flying into OMA for a road series, one bus picks up the whole group at baggage claim and takes them directly to the hotel or arena, skipping the rideshare coordination entirely.

Can I book a bus for an NCHC postseason game at Baxter Arena?

Yes, and you should book early. NCHC quarterfinal and semifinal rounds at Baxter Arena draw capacity crowds, and parking fills well before game time. Call 402-973-1398 as soon as the postseason bracket is announced to lock in your vehicle — those dates move fast.

Book Your Bus to Baxter Arena Today

The perfect ride to Kemp Ice at Baxter Arena is one call away. Whether it's a full fan group for a North Dakota rivalry series, a company night out for a February showdown against Denver, a visiting fan contingent flying into OMA, or a birthday group that wants the party to start on the bus — Party Bus In Omaha has access to a fleet of party buses, charter buses, minibuses, and Sprinter vans across Omaha and the surrounding area. Your group arrives at the S 67th Street entrance together, ready to make noise in the Red Army section, while everyone else is still circling for a spot in Lot 27.

Give us a call any time at 402-973-1398 for an all-inclusive price quote — or use the online tool for instant availability.