Milwaukee Wave fan reflects on special memories made at UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena
State lines don’t stop Chris O’Hara from enjoying Milwaukee Wave games at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena. The St. John, Indiana native has been driving 132 miles there and back to watch the Wave play for the last three years.
“It’s well worth the drive because the experience is so good,” O’Hara said.
O’Hara, his wife and their 7-year-old daughter try to make it up to Milwaukee a handful of times to watch the Wave every season. The family has traveled as far as St. Louis to watch the Wave take on the St. Louis Ambush. O’Hara has also attended tryouts as a spectator.
O’Hara says he loves the high-intensity atmosphere inside the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena.
“It’s just non-stop action.”
The special food at the concession stands is pretty awesome, too.
“Beyond the macaroni and cheese pizza and the bubble cones, the ease of access. That’s huge… it’s easy to navigate inside the arena. It’s a smaller, more cozy arena.”
Over the last three years, O’Hara has made countless memories while attending Wave games, but nothing will top watching his daughter take the field in her princess dress at the Wave’s Princesses and Pirates game. This special theme game encourages fans to dress up as their favorite princess or pirate and participate in a pregame parade and costume contest.
“She got to meet the princesses. She dressed up as well. She got to go on the field dressed up in a princess outfit and got to walk with the players. That was a really great experience for her,” O’Hara said.
Despite the lengthy commute, O’Hara hopes to continue this tradition for a long time.
“It’s really important. Every winter we look forward to it,” O’Hara said.