Our Lawlor Events Center review isn’t trying to be mean. The home of the Nevada Wolfpack is more a product of its time than anything else. The arena can’t help the fact it was built during an era when concrete was king and functionality trumped design.
All of this is a nice way of saying Lawlor Events Center is a total dud. In our Thomas & Mack Center review, we mentioned how UNLV’s stadium was best described as meh. The same applies to the home venue of their rivals in Reno only the Wolfpack’s arena is a lot uglier and doesn’t have a Dairy Queen.
That pertains to both the exterior and interior. This is just a visually unpleasant place from every angle imaginable. If there is one positive, it’s that the round style design of Lawlor Events Center means there isn’t really a bad seat. I have sat in the very back row at the upper level and was still okay with the view.
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There are several parking garages around Lawlor Events Center with pricing in these varying but none all that pricy. Honestly, you’d be better off walking there if you’re staying along Downtown Reno’s main drag. It takes roughly 20 minutes to get there on foot.
This walk will be refreshing in winter as the conditions inside are freaking sweltering. I could not wait to leave the arena after the game and have a cold blast of chilly December air hit my face.
Food options inside are just flat out bad. The concessions stands look like they have come straight out of 2003. Meanwhile, the toilet situation is a total mess even for a sports arena. Really though, you should be heading down to the Cal-Neva once the game ends and getting that $15.99 prime rib and lobster dinner. You can also play keno as you eat. Unfortunately, the toilets there aren’t much nicer.
Lawlor Events Center review score: 4
Much like going to an actual event here, writing a Lawlor Events Center review was not particularly fun. As much as I enjoy Reno, this place is a dud. To top it off, the Reno townies who go to games are weirdos.
If you’re in Reno, do yourself a favor and just watch the game for your hotel’s sportsbook. It will be significantly more pleasant than being inside the arena.
