Getting to Bird Arena (Athens Youth Hockey Association | Athens Ohio | Bird Arena)

PrintGetting to Bird Arena
20060830-Bird.jpgThe AYHA has been at the Bird Ice Arena on Ohio University’s campus for over 60 years, and while many locals are familiar with getting to the rink, those arriving for the first time can sometimes take a wrong turn and, through a series of one-way city streets, wind up on the far side of Athens.  With that in mind, the Association has provided some helpful maps, directions, and advice to make your journey smooth.


Getting to Athens
For out-of-towners, Athens is located in southeast Ohio approximately 90-minutes from Columbus and 45-minutes from Parkersburg, WV.  The City of Athens and Ohio University are located at the intersection of US-33 and US-50, as shown below, with Bird Ice Area in the middle of the university campus.

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Getting to Bird Arena
2021-parking-map-thumbnail.JPGAs you approach Athens from any direction via US-33 or US-50, you will want to take US-33 Exit 198 onto SR-682.  Take SR-682 approximately a half mile to the Richland Avenue roundabout. Turn right at the roundabout onto Richland Avenue and cross the Hocking River bridge.  Take the first right at the signal onto South Green Drive.  Parking Lot 134 will be on your right and is the closest parking to Bird Ice Arena. For drop-offs, stay on Richland Avenue, passing through the South Green Drive intersection.  Take your next right from Richland onto Bobcat Lane.  Bird Ice Arena will be on your right across from Baker University Center.

For an illustrated map of Ohio University, Bird Ice Arena, and recommended parking, please use this link: Getting to Bird Ice Arena


Parking
For many years, the university’s unofficial visitor motto has been, “Welcome to Ohio University – here’s your parking ticket!”  To say that the university issues parking tickets aggressively is putting it mildly, but if you park in recommended lots, you should be fine.
  • Lot 134 – this parking lot is the closest to Bird Ice Arena, and it is free (no permit required) on weekdays after 5pm and on weekends.  We recommend this lot for most visitors.
  • Lot 132 – this parking lot is adjacent to the football stadium and is a bit of a hike, but it generally has spaces available should Lot 134 be full.  It is also free (no permit required) on weekdays after 5pm and on weekends.
  • Lots 127 & 128 – these lots are located on the west side of the basketball arena, and they are also free (no permit required) on weekdays after 5pm and on weekends.  We recommend crossing Richland Avenue under the university’s pedestrian tunnel to avoid traffic.


A Word on University Events
Ohio University has a variety of events during the year where parking lots all across campus require payment for entry, and these events may include football, basketball, volleyball, or other activities.  Unfortunately, the university’s Parking Services does not distinguish between visitors to these events and AYHA families or other hockey visitors; everyone has to "pay-to-park".  Though university events conflicting with practices are infrequent during a season, in instances when you do find lots suddenly converted into pay-to-park, your options are to pay the fee or look for hourly parking at Baker University Center’s parking garage.  

Updated 2021-09-21.