Watch as SCSU’s Hockey Arena Gets Its Biggest Upgrade Since 1989

The rebuilding of our historic SCSU Herb Brooks Hockey Arena is underway.

If you're a Huskies hockey fan, or a central Minnesota hockey fan in general, this is one of those videos you'll probably watch more than once.

WATCH IN FAST FORWARD

St. Cloud State University shared a fascinating time-lapse video showing crews pouring a massive concrete floor inside the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center as part of the arena's $12.9 million renovation project.

The video speeds through hours of work in just seconds, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at something very few people ever get to witness.

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THE NECESSARY RENOVATION

The renovation is centered around replacing the arena's original cooling plant, which has been in service since the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center opened back in 1989. The old system relied on R-22 refrigerant, which is no longer produced because of its harmful effects on the ozone layer.

When construction began after the 2025 and 2026 hockey seasons, crews had to dig out the old infrastructure beneath the rinks, install an entirely new cooling system, and then pour a brand new concrete slab that will eventually become the base for the ice surface.

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WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Once the concrete cures, crews can move on to installing the new refrigeration equipment and piping before the process of building the ice even begins.

WHAT WILL THE NEW SYSTEM BE LIKE?

The new system will use ammonia refrigerant, which is considered one of the most energy-efficient and environmentally friendly refrigeration systems available.

The upgrade is expected to improve reliability while helping the facility serve St. Cloud State athletes and the community for decades to come.

OTHER UPDATES TO SCSU'S HOCKEY ARENA

The project includes much more than a new cooling system.

Fans can also expect new LED lighting throughout the building, upgraded automatic temperature controls to improve energy efficiency, new dasher boards and protective shielding for player safety, and slightly smaller ice surfaces on both the main and auxiliary rinks.

According to the university, the LED lighting alone should reduce electricity use by about 35 percent, while the new temperature controls could lower HVAC energy consumption by as much as 20 percent.

It's the kind of project most fans never think about because so much of it happens beneath the surface. But without it, there wouldn't be any hockey at all.

WE CAN'T WAIT!

Seeing the transformation from the ground up reminds us that this renovation is much more than a facelift. It's building the future home of Huskies hockey from the foundation up, and allowing us to continue to offer the rink to other groups throughout our state, continuing a proud tradition for our state of hockey.