Minnesota’s Bloomington Ice Garden (BIG) has been a staple of the community since the first of its three rinks was built in 1970. Famously known for being the practice home of the United States’ 1980 gold-medal winning Miracle on Ice men’s hockey team coached by Herb Brooks, BIG had a second and third rink added in 1975 and 1993. JLG was part of ongoing renovations, including a 2019 entry addition with ADA upgrades and locker room improvements.
In 2023, JLG returned to Bloomington to conduct a facility assessment that examined the Ice Garden facilities, resulting in the prioritization of new rinks and dashers, a new ammonia ice system, and a new EPDM roof designed with potential PV panels in mind. Most noticeably, JLG recognized an opportunity to improve the fan and athlete experience through ADA accessible pathways, platforms, restrooms, and lifts, as well as shifting the usage of the rinks. The reorganization of the rink usages was studied during the facility assessment to better align with the layout of the existing building and parking. Through shrinking the old Rink 3 size to an NHL-standard size, a second side of bleachers was able to be added with locker rooms underneath. With additional connections between the two sides of bleachers, a 360-degree mezzanine was created for this new home of the high school hockey teams. The rink on the opposite side of the building is now home to its figure skating programs. The existing mezzanine between the figure skating rink and the middle of the three rinks was extended over one side of existing seating, allowing for an enlarged and conditioned viewing space onto the two rinks, as well as a puck shooting and multi-purpose space.
Within the facility, JLG led efficiency upgrades to existing dehumidification, mechanical, and electrical systems aimed at extending the life of the facilities in compliance with requirements for stormwater and wetland boundaries. Additional renovation provided improved parking and fan seating, new scoreboards and a central sound system, new restrooms and concessions, enhanced security, an upgraded building management system, and a refresh of interior and exterior finishes. To expedite construction, the team closed the facilities for the summer of 2025, reopening to the public in November, with final completion expected in spring 2026. Staying true to its existing footprint, Bloomington Ice Garden revitalizes fan interest, athlete performance, program growth, and operational resilience.
