Bank of Colorado Arena

If you want to feel the true energy of American collegiate sports, you should definitely visit the Bank of Colorado Arena. This modern multi-purpose venue, located in the cozy city of Greeley, is the heart of athletic life at the University of Northern Colorado in the USA. Known among fans as "The Home of the Bears," it serves as the home stadium for the university's basketball, volleyball, and wrestling teams.

The arena opened in 1975 and has since undergone several stages of modernization to offer spectators comfortable conditions and an excellent view from any of its nearly 3,000 seats. The facility is part of the larger Butler-Hancock Athletic Center complex and is famous for its special, intimate atmosphere, where the stands are as close as possible to the action on the court.

Currently, additional work is being done at the arena to improve comfort, including the installation of modern tip-up seating. This venue is perfect for tourists who want to see authentic American sports life from the inside, away from the overcrowded major league stadiums, but with no less intensity.

For those planning to attend an event or contact the venue administration, current contact information is provided below. Please note that phone lines may be busy on match days.

The main reason to visit this venue is the high-energy sports matchups. Here, you can watch men's and women's basketball games as part of collegiate championships, as well as thrilling volleyball matches and wrestling tournaments. The atmosphere during Bears' home games is charged with excitement, and the support of local fans creates an incredible wall of sound that is worth experiencing in person.

In addition to watching the game, visitors can appreciate the updated infrastructure. Following recent renovations, the arena now features comfortable tip-up seats and portable bleachers that ensure excellent visibility. It is a great spot for family leisure: American college games are always accompanied by performances from cheer squads, mascots, and various interactive events during breaks, turning a standard match into a real show.

Для fans of statistics and history, a visit to the arena is a chance to touch greatness. You can see the place where over 3,500 spectators once gathered for iconic conference matches. A walk around the stadium grounds allows you to feel the college spirit and see where the athletic legacy of Colorado's future professional athletes is forged.

The sports complex is located at 1600 23rd St, Greeley, CO 80639, directly on the West Campus of the University of Northern Colorado. The city is situated about 100 kilometers north of Denver, making it easily accessible for those traveling through the state.

The most convenient way to get there is by car. If you are driving from Denver, the trip takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes via highway I-25 N, after which you need to turn onto US-34 toward the city. Parking areas for visitors are provided on campus, but it is recommended to arrive early during major games to find a spot.

For those who prefer public transportation, the Greeley PATH bus system operates within the city. However, it is often easier for tourists to use a taxi or a rental car, as this provides greater flexibility. If you are arriving from further away, the nearest major hub is Denver International Airport (DEN), which is about a hour and a half drive from the arena.

The history of this sports facility began in 1974, when it was constructed as the central hub for the University of Northern Colorado's athletic programs. The official opening took place on February 4, 1975, and on that day, the venue was named Butler-Hancock Hall. It was named in honor of legendary coaches Pete Butler and John W. Hancock, whose contributions to the development of university sports are hard to overstate.

Over the decades, the arena has changed its official name several times, reflecting the university's development. In the mid-2000s, it was known as the Butler–Hancock Sports Pavilion, and the current name, Bank of Colorado Arena, was established in November 2014 following a long-term partnership agreement. This venue has seen many triumphs: for example, in 2011, it hosted the Big Sky Conference men's basketball tournament finals.

The arena's attendance records have become part of its legend. The largest crowd—3,586 people—was recorded on opening day for a match against the Air Force team. The home game statistics for the local "UNC Bears" are impressive: over the years, they have secured more than 400 victories on this court, creating an atmosphere of an "impenetrable fortress" for their opponents.

When planning your visit, base your timing on the type of event. If you are coming to cheer for the UNC Bears at a basketball or volleyball match, you should allow about 2–3 hours. This time is sufficient to comfortably go through security, find your seats, enjoy the game, and perhaps browse the souvenir shop during the intermission.

If you are only interested in the architecture and the facility's interior (provided access is open), 45–60 minutes will be enough for a brief tour. However, remember that the main value of this place lies in the live emotions of the fans, so visiting during a competition will provide a much more memorable experience.

The venue's operating hours depend directly on the University of Northern Colorado's sports event calendar. Generally, doors open to spectators one hour before the start of a match. Most basketball or volleyball games kick off in the evening—usually between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM local time.

As there are no fixed visiting hours for tourists on non-game days, it is highly recommended to check the current schedule on the official website uncbears.com in advance. This will help you avoid closed doors and plan your visit for a time when the arena is full of life.

A stroll around the campus area after an exciting match is a great way to complete your experience. The neighborhood surrounding the arena offers a pleasant mix of student vibes, cozy cafes, and family-friendly spots where you can discuss the game over a cup of coffee or a hearty dinner.