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OMAHA – When the University of Nebraska Omaha's new arena opens in October, it will carry a name familiar to many Nebraskans: Baxter.

Today, UNO announced it has entered into an agreement with Baxter Auto to name the building “Baxter Arena.” It will serve as the new home for the hockey, basketball and volleyball teams, as well as host community events.

The announcement was made at a ceremony at the Baxter Arena featuring remarks from Baxter Auto President Mickey Anderson as well as University of Nebraska Board of Regents member Howard Hawks, UNO Chancellor John Christensen and UNO Vice Chancellor for Athletics Trev Alberts.

“The partnership between our family and UNO goes back to 1957 when our father, Tal Anderson, was a baseball and basketball player,” Mickey Anderson said. “UNO and Omaha are special places and we are excited that Baxter Arena will serve as a venue for athletics, graduations, concerts and community events.”

Tal Anderson worked at the original Johnny Baxter during his time as a UNO student, eventually becoming the company’s owner in 1984. Daughter Angie Quinn and son Mickey Anderson, along with a talented leadership team, continue Tal’s vision of keeping Baxter a family-owned and locally-operated business.

Today, Baxter Auto employs more than 1,700 across 21 dealerships in Omaha, Lincoln and Kansas City. Baxter Auto offers new and used cars from 19 different car manufacturers and is one of Nebraska’s largest employers.

“We are extremely pleased to partner with a business, and a family, that has been so influential to UNO and the Omaha community for the past 60 years,” Hawks said. “We could not have made Baxter Arena a reality without key supporters like the Anderson family.”

Baxter Auto secured the arena naming rights through a $400,000 annual value for a 10-year term and is renewable.

“Baxter Auto, and particularly the Anderson family, have been outstanding corporate citizens in Omaha and great supporters of UNO Athletics for decades,” Alberts said. “We are grateful to partner with an iconic Omaha company.”

UNO announced plans to build its first on-campus arena, located just next to Aksarben Village, in October 2012. Construction began in late 2013.

“When I think back to when I first took over as chancellor, compared to where I am now – standing in front of Baxter Arena - I can’t help but associate that progress with families like the Andersons,” Christensen said. “They have not only been supporters of UNO financially, but have provided invaluable guidance and advice about how to make UNO the best campus it can be.”

Baxter Arena will seat 7,500 people and officially open with the first UNO hockey home game on Friday, Oct. 23, as the defending NCAA Midwest Regional Champions take on Air Force.

Fans who want to stay up-to-date on all new Baxter Arena news are encouraged to connect on social media on Facebook or Twitter.

For questions, please contact:

Charley Reed, UNO Associate Director of Media Relations
402.554.2129 or unonews@unomaha.edu

Dave Ahlers, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
402.554.3387 or dahlers@unomaha.edu

About the University of Nebraska at Omaha

Located in one of America’s best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.

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About Baxter Auto
Baxter Auto is a family-owned and locally-operated auto group serving Omaha and Lincoln, Neb. and Kansas City, Kan. With nearly 60 years in Omaha, Baxter provides quality new, used and certified pre-owned vehicles paired with superior customer service. Baxter became what it is today through the continued support of its loyal customers, dedicated employees, and the local community. The 21 car dealerships represent 19 different car brands. For a list of our dealerships, visit: www.baxterauto.com.