Prairie Lakes Ice Arena

With an aging arena and recreational needs on the rise, Watertown, SD, needed proactive improvement to retain its residents. Adding state-of-the-art rec amenities would re-energize Watertown while keeping the community growing. To assist the City, JLG helped balance analysis of participation with new ideas to create a destination for all of South Dakota. In a recently developed area adjacent to the freeway, the arena is easily accessible and visible. Enhancing the 90,800 SF building’s visibility further are large light monitors on the roof and front lobby, including a “Watertown wave” on a contemporary facade. Inside, is a 1,500-seat arena with club and ice-level suites, including loge seating for the exclusive naming rights of local businesses. Two new ice sheets are sustainably designed with low VOC materials, energy recovery on major HVAC, and refrigeration waste heat recovery. The arena’s lobby brings community together, with vibrant seating and fireside lounges, open to surrounding views. To accommodate future growth, the facility is designed to expand for a third ice sheet, dryland training, and a junior team. The Prairie Lakes Ice Arena will keep residents connected, driving resilience and future development.