Pinnacle Bank Arena
4.6(4.1K)google
3.6(39)yelp
Performance
Overview
Pinnacle Bank Arena (PBA), known as West Haymarket Arena during construction, is a multi-purpose indoor arena located in the West Haymarket District of Lincoln, Nebraska, United States, just southwest of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln's City Campus. The 15,500-seat arena was completed in 2013 and replaced the Bob Devaney Sports Center as the home of Nebraska's men's and women's basketball teams. The arena serves as the primary large-scale entertainment venue in Lincoln and annually hosts Nebraska School Activities Association state basketball tournament games.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration2-4 hours
Best TimeYour visit should coincide with a scheduled event, particularly a Husker basketball game or concert between November and March. Arrive 1.5 hours before kickoff to experience the electric nightlife atmosphere as the surrounding Haymarket District lights up.
Getting ThereLocated at 400 Pinnacle Arena Drive in the historic Haymarket. Drive via I-180 straight into downtown and park at one of the four multi-level public parking garages (Green, Blue, Red, or Lumberyard). Most StarTran bus routes terminate on nearby O Street.
Travel Tips
- A strict clear bag policy mandates that only clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags under 12x6x12 inches are permitted; opaque backpacks and larger purses face denial at security.
- Operating as a 100% cashless arena, all concessions, merchandise stalls, and bars refuse physical currency, requiring functional credit/Debit cards or configured mobile payments.
- During major UNL games or concert nights, local Haymarket parking rates spike to a flat $20-$30; parking in distant downtown municipal garages and walking saves substantial costs.
Reviews
Positive
- A super-modern multi-purpose arena! Whether watching Huskers basketball or mega-star concerts, the audio-visual stage setups are visually shocking.
- The terraced seating lines are fantastic; even from the upper-tier 'nosebleed' seats, you get an unobstructed view of the stage or court center.
- Crowd management is highly efficient; despite a 10,000+ capacity, security lines move fast, with clear signage and tons of modern restrooms.
- The location is unparalleled, right in the bustling Haymarket district, steps away from countless bars and upscale dining after events.
Heads up
- The secondary spending inside (snacks, beer, and merchandise) is shockingly overpriced; a simple draft beer and a hot dog cost triple external prices.
- Though surrounded by large parking garages, hundreds of cars flood out simultaneously post-event, plunging garages and main streets into gridlock.
- The standard arena seats are mostly hard plastic with quite narrow legroom, making a long seating experience very cramped for tall, large-scale guests.
- Security bag policies are severely strict and rigid, banning any purse over tiny dimensions or outside bottled water, leading to disputes at the gates.