Review

20 Best College Hockey Arenas In The United States

By Biraj Khanal / 21 December 2023 07:52 AM

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College hockey arenas aren't just about slap shots, they're about pulsating passion, raw school spirit, and traditions that run deeper than Zamboni trenches.

Each rink possesses its unique attitude, from the rowdy student sections of Wisconsin's Kohl Center to the legendary traditions etched in the ice of North Dakota's Ralph Engelstad Arena.

These are cauldrons of emotion, where goals unleash pandemonium, save spark chants, and every game becomes a battle cry for alma mater pride.

From the deafening cheers echoing through the "Lound House" at Minnesota's 3M Arena at Mariucci, the breathtaking mountain backdrop painting the canvas at Denver's Magness Arena to the raucous energy of Wisconsin's Kohl Center, each arena boasts its unique charm and character.

1. Yost Ice Arena

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Yost Ice Arena is an indoor ice hockey arena located on the campus of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

It is home to the Michigan Wolverines men's ice hockey team which plays in the Big Ten.

Though the arena was built in 1923 as Fielding H. Yost Field House, and was primarily used for basketball and track and field. It was converted into an ice arena in 1973.

It is known for its loud and passionate student section and has included many memorable moments in Michigan hockey history, including nine national championships and 26 Frozen Four appearances.

2. Ralph Englestad Arena

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  • Founded Year: 2001
  • Home Team: North Dakota Fighting Hawks 
  • College: University of North Dakota
  • Capacity: 11,566

The Ralph Engelstad Arena, often nicknamed "The Ralph," is an indoor arena at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

It is primarily the home of the UND Fighting Hawks men's ice hockey team. 

The arena also hosts select games for UND men's and women's basketball, as well as a variety of other events, such as concerts, circuses, and trade shows.

Ralph features a state-of-the-art video scoreboard, four luxury suites, and a club lounge.

The Ralph has been the site of many memorable hockey games, including the 2000 NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Championship game, which UND won.

3. 3M Arena At Mariucci

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  • Founded Year: 1993
  • Home Team: Minnesota Golden Gophers
  • College: University of Minnesota
  • Capacity: 10,257

3M Arena at Mariucci is the main ice hockey arena on the University of Minnesota's Minneapolis campus.

It's the primary home of the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers men's ice hockey team, a powerhouse program with five national championships.

It boasts a seating capacity of approximately 10,000, with the main bowl holding 9,600 and additional space in club rooms and suites.

The arena went through a recent transformation in 2023, including reducing the ice sheet size to standard NHL dimensions for a faster, more exciting game.

The electric atmosphere, passionate fans, and talented Gophers players make for an unforgettable night during the game.

4. AMSOIL Arena

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  • Founded Year: 2010
  • Home Team: Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs
  • College: University of Minnesota Duluth
  • Capacity: 6,756

Located in Duluth, Minnesota, AMSOIL Arena is a stunning multipurpose arena and serves as the home for the UMD men's ice hockey team Bulldogs.

It's considered a true college hockey haven, having hosted the 2012 and 2023 NCAA Division I Women's Ice Hockey Tournaments.

The arena's atmosphere and passionate fans cheering create an unforgettable experience for players and spectators alike.

While hockey takes center stage, AMSOIL Arena also hosts a variety of other events, including concerts, circuses, and family shows.

The arena's versatility makes it a vibrant hub for entertainment and community engagement in Duluth.

5. Compton Family Ice Arena

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  • Founded Year: 2011
  • Home Team: Notre Dame Fighting Irish
  • College: University of Notre Dame
  • Capacity: 5,022

Compton Family Ice Arena is a truly impressive facility known for its vibrant atmosphere and cutting-edge amenities.

It is a two-rink ice facility that serves as the home of the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish men's ice hockey team.

Arena boasts a distinctive architectural design, featuring an eye-catching barrel-vaulted roof and bow trusses.

With its two NHL-sized rinks, the arena caters not only to the varsity team but also to Figure skating competitions, public skating sessions, and even concerts.

The main arena has two levels with a capacity of 5,022, offering comfortable seating and excellent sightlines for spectators.

6. Kohl Center

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  • Founded Year: 1998
  • Home Team: Wisconsin Badgers
  • College: University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • Capacity: 17,071

The Kohl Center is a true gem located at the heart of the University of Wisconsin as the multipurpose arena with its vibrant identity.

It serves as the primary home for three of UW-Madison's most celebrated athletic teams: the men's and women's basketball teams, and the men's hockey team.

The arena explodes with the roaring cheers of "On Wisconsin!" echoing through the stands during every game.

With its impressive capacity of 17,071, it stands tall as one of the electrifying venues to visit in college sports.

7. Baxter Arena

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Baxter Arena serves as the home for the University of Nebraska Omaha's (UNO) intercollegiate athletic teams, the Omaha Mavericks.

This includes the men's and women's basketball teams, the men's hockey team, and the women's volleyball team.

The atmosphere is electric during basketball and hockey games, with fans cheering with the iconic "Go Mavs!" chant.

The arena boasts a modern and spacious design with a seating capacity of approximately 7,900 for basketball and hockey.

It features comfortable seating, excellent sightlines, state-of-the-art amenities, and a dynamic video scoreboard.

8. Magness Arena

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  • Founded Year: 2010
  • Home Team: Denver Pioneers
  • College: University of Denver
  • Capacity: 7,200

Magness Arena is a multi-purpose collegiate sports arena and the primary home for the University of Denver Pioneers ice hockey and basketball teams.

The arena offers a more modern and spacious experience, with a seating capacity of 7,200 for hockey and other events.

It has witnessed numerous memorable moments for the Pioneers, including NCAA Regional Championship appearances in hockey and several conference titles in both hockey and basketball.

The arena has also grabbed the attention of renowned figure skaters like Michelle Kwan and Scott Hamilton, showcasing its adaptability and commitment to excellence.

9. Goggin Ice Center

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  • Founded Year: 2010
  • Home Team: Miami Redhawks
  • College: Miami University
  • Capacity: 3,642

Goggin Ice Center is the primary home to the Miami RedHawks men's ice hockey team, a program with a rich history and passionate fanbase.

It boasts two NHL-sized ice rinks, one for the RedHawks and the other for public skating, figure skating, and other community events.

The main arena seats approximately 3,642 spectators, with its thrilling atmosphere during RedHawks games.

While hockey takes center stage, the Center offers much more than just competitive games including public skating, figure skating, and other special events.

10. John J. Macinnes Student Ice Arena

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  • Founded Year: 1972
  • Home Team: Michigan Tech Huskies
  • College: Michigan Technological University
  • Capacity: 4200

John J. Macinnes Student Ice Arena is a true gem in Houghton, Michigan, and a haven for hockey enthusiasts. 

The arena proudly serves as the home for the powerhouse program with a rich history, the Michigan Tech Huskies men's ice hockey team.

It provides an electric atmosphere during Huskies games, especially with the traditional swaying during the "Copper Country Anthem" at the second intermission.

The arena features a large video scoreboard, luxury suites, concession areas, a pro shop, and even a "Puck Pit" for players to grind their skills.

11. Centene Community Ice Center

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  • Founded Year: 2019
  • Home Team: Lindenwood Lions
  • College: Lindenwood University 
  • Capacity: 4,500

The Centene Community Ice Center boasts two NHL-sized ice rinks, ensuring ample space for hockey practices and games.

It serves as the home to Lindenwood men's and women's ice hockey teams as well as the practice center for the NHL team, St. Louis Blues. 

Other amenities include well-maintained locker rooms, a pro shop selling equipment and apparel, a concession stand, comfortable seating for spectators, and ample parking.

The Centene Community Ice Center often hosts hockey tournaments and events throughout the year.

12. Tsongas Center

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  • Founded Year: 1998
  • Home Team: UMass Lowell River Hawks
  • College: University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • Capacity: 6,496

The Tsongas Center is the proud home of the UMass Lowell River Hawks men's ice hockey team, competing in the highly competitive Hockey East Association.

It features a spacious ice rink that meets NHL standards, offering an optimal playing surface for the River Hawks.

This team boasts a passionate fanbase and electrifies the arena with its exciting games.

the Tsongas Center also hosts various other ice hockey events including college exhibition games, high school tournaments, and public skating sessions.

13. Agganis Arena

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  • Founded Year: 2005
  • Home Team: Boston University Terriers
  • College: Boston University
  • Capacity: 7200

Agganis Arena is the primary home of the Boston University Terriers men's ice hockey team, a powerhouse program with five national championships.

With a seating capacity of 7,200, the arena offers an electrifying experience to witness the Terriers compete in the competitive Hockey East conference.

The arena boasts a passionate atmosphere during Terriers games, especially with the iconic "Go BU!" chants echoing through the stands.

The arena also hosts occasional exhibition games and tournaments featuring other college or professional teams.

14. Mullet Arena

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  • Founded Year: 2022
  • Home Team: Arizona State Sun Devils
  • College: Arizona State University
  • Capacity: 5000

Mullett Arena is the home to the Arizona State University Sun Devils men's ice hockey team, competing at the NCAA Division I.

The team has a passionate fanbase and creates excitement in the desert with its new home rink.

The arena features two NHL-sized ice rinks, one for the Sun Devils and the other for community use.

While not their official home arena, Mullett Arena also serves as the practice facility for the Arizona Coyotes of the NHL.

15. Matthews Arena

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  • Founded Year: 1910
  • Home Team: Northeastern Huskies
  • College: Northeastern University
  • Capacity: 5,066

Matthews Arena currently serves as the home ice for the Northeastern Huskies men's and women's teams, offering a classic atmosphere for college hockey.

The historic venue was the original home for the NHL team, Boston Bruins where they hosted ice hockey for decades. 

The arena also offers public skating sessions throughout the week, providing an opportunity for recreational ice skating for all ages and skill levels.

It hosts high school and youth hockey tournaments, special events with an ice hockey theme, or even exhibitions featuring professional or college teams occasionally.

16. Gene Polisseni Center

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The Gene Polisseni Center is a multi-purpose arena that opened in 2014 and is the home of the RIT Tigers men's and women's ice hockey teams. 

The Tigers are a competitive program that has won multiple conference championships and NCAA tournament appearances.

The arena has a seating capacity of 4,300 and features two NHL-sized ice rinks and hosts a variety of other events.

Its features include Two NHL-sized ice rinks, a scoreboard, a sound system, concessions, restrooms, and suites.

17. Martire Family Arena

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  • Founded Year: 2023
  • Home Team: Sacred Heart Pioneers
  • College: Sacred Heart University
  • Capacity: 3600

Martire Family Arena was opened in January 2023 and serves as the home ice for the men's and women's NCAA Division I hockey teams of Sacred Heart University.

The arena's design provides uninterrupted views of the ice from every seat, ensuring you don't miss a moment of the action.

Fans can look forward to a passionate and electric atmosphere during games, with cheers echoing through the 3,600-seat arena.

The Martire also hosts various other ice hockey events throughout the year including club hockey games, figure skating competitions, and public skating sessions.

18. Mullins Center

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  • Founded Year: 1993
  • Home Team: UMass Minutemen
  • College: University of Massachusetts, Amherst
  • Capacity: 9,493

The Mullins Center is the multi-purpose hub in Amherst, Massachusetts, and is home to the UMass Minuteman men's ice hockey team.

The arena features a large video scoreboard, luxury suites, concession areas, a pro shop, and even a "Puck Pit" for players to hone their skills.

The Minutemen boast a loyal fanbase and create an electric atmosphere during games, especially with the traditional "Copper Country Anthem" at the second intermission.

While the Minutemen are the center attraction, the Center also hosts various other ice hockey events throughout the year.

19. Berry Events Center

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The Berry Events Center is the home to the Northern Michigan University Wildcats men's ice hockey team, competing in the NCAA Division I CCHA conference.

The Wildcats possess a passionate fanbase and create an exciting atmosphere during games.

The arena features a hybrid ice sheet that can be configured for both hockey and basketball, offering a unique experience.

Other activities offered might include figure skating lessons, youth hockey programs, and even curling.

20. Pegula Ice Arena

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  • Founded Year: 2013
  • Home Team: Penn State Nittany Lions
  • College: Penn State University
  • Capacity: 6,014

The Pegula Ice Arena is a 6,014-seat multi-purpose arena that opened in 2013. It is the home of the Penn State Nittany Lions men's and women's ice hockey teams.

The arena has a passionate fanbase and creates an electric atmosphere during games.

It contains two ice surfaces. One, the Varsity Rink, is used for Penn State Hockey games and other main events.

Other events hosted in this venue include NHL and AHL exhibition games and figure skating competitions. 

The first NHL exhibition match hosted was between the Buffalo Sabres and Minnesota Wild in September 2016.