Step Inside: CHI Health Center – Home of the Creighton Bluejays

Home of the Creighton Bluejays

CHI Health Center is located in Omaha, Nebraska and is the home of the Creighton University Bluejays men’s basketball team. CHI Health Center sits in the North Downtown section of Omaha and is run and operated by the Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (MECA). It is in the heart of Omaha’s riverfront revitalization projects and is around three miles away from Eppley Airfield. In addition to hosting sporting events and live entertainment, the complex also includes a convention center that hosts meetings, conferences, and weddings.

What Events are Coming Up at CHI Health Center?

CHI Health Center History

CHI Health Center opened in September 2003 as Qwest Center Omaha. The first event was a private concert by Grand Funk Railroad. The initial seating capacity was 17,000 for concerts and live events, 15,500 for basketball games, and 14,700 for hockey. In 2006, there was an expansion of the arena that added approximately 1,500 seats. The arena received another renovation in 2009 that included the installation of new carpeting, reupholstered seats, and a new scoreboard. In 2023, legislation was brought forth for another possible expansion to the arena.

In 2011, CenturyLink purchased the naming rights and from 2011-2018, it was known as CenturyLink Center Omaha. It has been CHI Health Center since 2018. Built at the same time as the arena was the CHI Health Omaha Convention Center, which holds three exhibit halls, four ballrooms, and more than a dozen meeting rooms for all kinds of occasions. There are both Hilton and Marriott hotels directly outside CHI Health Center.

The arena has been home to the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball tournament five times, including in 2024, and both the NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship and NCAA Division I Wrestling Championship once. One unique event that has been housed at the CHI Health Center is the USA Swimming Summer Olympic Trials, which have been featured in Omaha in 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2021. It’s unique because the arena does not have permanent swimming facilities and teams have to construct Olympic-sized swimming pools. After the events, those pools are then transplanted to permanent homes.

It has also played host to multiple WWE and Professional Bull Riders events. The River City Rodeo and Stock Show has been held there every year since 2003. In 2024, the arena will host the home matches for Pro Volleyball Federation team the Omaha Supernovas.

Parking and Admission at CHI Health Center

There are four parking lots that you can choose from, as well as a parking garage, when you’re visiting CHI Health Center. Lot A is next to the parking garage while Lot B is adjacent to the Hilton Omaha. Lot C is located next to Charles Schwab Field, one block west and Lot D is across the street from that. Tailgating is permitted in all lots and they are all equipped with ADA parking availability. Lot parking is $10 and garage parking is $15. RV parking is $25. You can pay with cash or a credit card. The following credit cards are accepted: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.

Clear and uncolored tote bags that are a maximum of 12″ x 12″ x 6″ are allowed into the arena. Small clutch purses and wallets that are a maximum of 4.5″ x 6.5″ are also allowed. Only one bag per ticket holder is allowed. Weapons, alcohol, drugs, professional cameras, audio recording equipment, and laser pointers are just some of the items prohibited in the arena.

CHI Health Center Capacity & Seating Options

The CHI Health Center seating capacity is 18,300 and the overall facility is 346,000 square feet. Depending on the event, there are different seating options. You can sit in the arena in seats in the lower bowl or the upper bowl. There are also premium suites available for events, which can fit up to 33 people.

What are the best seats at CHI Health Center?

The best seats at CHI Health Center vary depending on the event and personal preferences. Check out CHI Health Center seating charts and find your favorite seat today.

Food & Beverage Options at CHI Health Center

There are numerous food and beverage choices at CHI Health Center. In the lower section of the arena, Comfort Kitchen, near Section 101, serves gluten-free food items as well as hot dogs, nachos, and snacks. Near Section 108 is Omaha Taverna, where you can find pizza, toasted ravioli, garlic fries, and burgers. Near Section 116 is Boxcar Grill, which serves up burger baskets, veggie burgers, chicken tender baskets, and fries. LocaLinks is near Section 119 and offers signature sausages, loaded nachos, and hot dogs. Classic Craves, which is near Section 124, cooks up fried chicken sandwiches, pizza, burgers, and other snacks.

In the upper tier, Loaded Dogs is near Sections 204 and 220 and serves hot dogs, nachos, and more. Hot Reuben’s, near sections 206 and 222, serves patty melts, chicken tenders, and burgers. All food stands mentioned also serve domestic beer, sodas, and water.

You can find specialty food items like mini donuts (near Section 118), frozen smoothies (near Section 112), brisket and pork (near Section 119), and ice cream (near Section 109). There are specific bar sections that serve a variety of beers (Sections 115, 118, and 128).