MINNEAPOLIS, MN – January 5, 2023 – Just months after completing the award-winning renovation of White Bear Lake Sports Center, JLG Architects is headed back to town, teaming up to sponsor Hockey Day Minnesota 2023. JLG’s Tom Betti, AIA NCARB, has been working with Hockey Day Minnesota’s crew and committee to design the outdoor rink and the entire Hockey Day venue, supporting the event to run Thursday, January 26 through Sunday, January 29.
Over four days, Hockey Day Minnesota crew and volunteers will host a full schedule of outdoor college and high school hockey games, a Wounded Warriors event, live concerts, hospitality, and unique activities – anticipating thousands of visitors, players, and hockey enthusiasts. JLG will also host VIP guests in one of the event’s Top-Level Suites located on the site’s Town Square, offering a top deck veranda, heated indoor space with High-Def TV, and an outdoor social and yard game area.
“The design challenge was to create a sense of community on an existing soccer complex,” explained Betti. “The final design provided a unique venue for the 3,600-seat outdoor ice rink, and a ‘Town Square’ complete with a 16-foot diameter fire pit as a social gathering space.”
This is the first year Betti has worked with Hockey Day Minnesota to design the entire venue. He started planning one year ago with the team and has been working alongside over 12 major suppliers and contractors. To build the outdoor ice rink, 10 crew members spent one week installing the refrigerated rink, using 10,000 gallons of water to create the competition ice sheet.
“The fun part is being involved with a passionate group of people and companies that are all focused on creating the ultimate experience for a celebration of hockey in the State of Hockey.”
Tom Betti, AIA NCARB – JLG Architects
Hockey Day Minnesota is embarking on its 17th year as an annual traveling event hosted by the Minnesota Wild and Bally Sports North. This year, the organization’s committee chose the Polar Lakes Park site, located in White Bear Township. White Bear Lake, MN, is known for its rich history as one of the earliest communities in the state to embrace the sport of hockey.
Dating back to 1912, the White Bear Town Team included future hockey legend, Moose Goheen, who went on to play in the first Olympic Ice Hockey games in 1920 in Antwerp, Belgium. Goheen was also the second American player to be inducted into the International Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.
Net proceeds from the event will benefit the White Bear Lake community and White Bear Lake youth hockey. Visit the Hockey Day Minnesota website for ticket pricing and daily event schedules.
