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A new era for the Northfield community Ice Arena

A new era for the Northfield community Ice ArenaA new era for the Northfield community Ice ArenaA new era for the Northfield community Ice ArenaA new era for the Northfield community Ice Arena

Cows, Colleges and Community Arena -- Working to Build a Strong Community

A new era for the Northfield community Ice Arena

A new era for the Northfield community Ice ArenaA new era for the Northfield community Ice ArenaA new era for the Northfield community Ice ArenaA new era for the Northfield community Ice Arena

Cows, Colleges and Community Arena -- Working to Build a Strong Community

FUNDRAISING AND PROJECT TIMELINE

  • Sale of Ice Arena and Agreements with Schoo District, City of Dundas, and NHA -- COMPLETED
  • City Council budget update and approval to bid -- COMPLETED
  • Project Bidding, Negotiation, and Award -- COMPLETED
  • Final Approval of Construction Bids and Bond Issuance -- COMPLETED
  • Construction Commencement -- May 2025
  • Construction Completed -- August 2026

We lit the lamp on 5/6/25! The Northfield City Council voted 4-2 in favor of moving forward with the plans for a new arena! This project has been years in the making and we are feeling a great sigh of relief along with great anticipation for what is going to be a staple within our community for so many families!  


What’s Next?

The project will be moving forward at the cost of the bids approved by the Northfield City Council on 5/6/25.  We have made a commitment to provide as much cash for our portion as possible in order to keep NHA from having to finance the difference between our current received donations and what we have pledged to the project. This will keep the portion that needs to be financed by the City as low as possible.  In order to get the dryland facility added back into the plans, we need to raise an additional $187,247 in the next 60 days.  Anything raised above that will go toward the outdoor rink.


We are so very grateful for donations at all levels that have already been given! Please consider reaching out to others to give or consider a larger donation if possible. Every single donation is appreciated!!

Help Our Cause

Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals! Please click the link below or scan the QR code to be directed to our Northfield Shares partners to make a donation today.


Make sure to check with your employer to see if they would be willing to match your contribution. Every donation is appreciated!!

Give now

Not quite ready to donate?

PLEASE CONSIDER MAKING YOUR PLEDGE TODAY!!  Download your Pledge Form now and email a copy to info@northfieldshares.org to take the first step to building a new Northfield Community Ice Arena.

Northfield Community Ice Arena Pledge Form (pdf)Download

    Would you like more information or to GET INVOLVED in this effort?

    Please email us at: arena@northfieldhockey.net if you are interested in getting more involved or are interested in pledging your support.

    new northfield community ice arena information

    NEW:

    • Potential: Multi-use dryland training area
    • Locker rooms w/ showers & toilets
    • Ramp/Elevator to improve accessibility throughout the site
    • Multipurpose Room
    • Team Rooms
    • Coach/Referee Rooms
    • Mother's Room

    UPGRADED:

    • Lobby
    • Concessions
    • Offices
    • Skate rental
    • Viewing areas
    • Storage

    VISIONS OF WHAT COULD BE...

    UPDATE SITE PLAN

    the need is now - the arena has outrun its useful life

    the arena was Originally built 50 years ago by local hockey families, and gifted to the city

    • The freon ice cooling system is obsolete, costly, & inefficient. Due to environmental regulations the system needs to be replaced.  When the system leaks, the arena will no longer be operational.​
    • The current arena is not ADA-accessible. The building itself is dilapidated and falling apart.​
    • The Northfield City Council recently voted to sell the current arena, creating additional positive economic impact.  ​
    • Without a plan to replace the facility, the Northfield community is in danger of losing valuable youth programs, healthy and accessible family activities, jobs and mentorship, and local commerce associated with events.  Prospective families will go elsewhere, impacting our school funding.  ​
    • There has been a 19% growth to Northfield Skating School (NSS) and the Northfield Hockey Association (NHA) over the last 5 years alone - outpacing other recreational sports and residential growth. ​
    • The city council understands the importance of an arena in Northfield. Their ability to contribute is reduced due to other community needs and they have requested community support via private funding.

    fuel growth and success

    NHS Girls have had 3 State High School Tournament appearances in the past 10 years: 2017, 2022, 2024

    172 Northfield Skating School participants (ages 4-adult)


    NSS skaters have been state finalists, regional competitors, gold test achievers, and  Disney On Ice professionals

    Winning with Character:​
    Ayla Puppe - 2024 Ms. Hockey MN ​

    NHS Boys have had 3 State High School Tournament appearances in the past 10 years: 2016, 2023, 2024

    19% ​increase in youth participation vs 2018-2019 season​


    270+ Northfield Hockey Association players (ages 5-15)  ​

    Winning with Character:​

    Jake Geiger -  2024 Herb Brooks Award

    highest participation in nha history

    attracting families from neighboring communities of Waseca, New Prague, Lonsdale, Cannon Falls, Faribault, and Medford

    inclusive community involvement

    The Ice Arena is available to our whole community. Public skate and ice rental costs are kept very low to allow equal access. NHA & NSS award full scholarships every season and have never turned away a participant due to financial constraints ​

    ​

    Hundreds of community members enjoy public open skate at one of the lowest admission costs in the state, enabling community members of all ages and backgrounds to be active and socialize in a community space ​

    ​

    Ice arena programs are growing. Both Northfield Hockey Association and Northfield Skating School show 19% growth since 2018. Northfield Skating School is Northfield Community Education’s third-largest program. MN has the highest youth hockey participation of any U.S. state​

    ​

    Try Hockey for Free event participation has increased from an average of 20 new skaters to 113 new skaters during 2022-23 events (65% boys, 35% girls)​

    ​

    Popular public dry land use: Community bookfair, roller-skating, arts & crafts fair, DJJD – the options are endless.  The arena is the largest public event space in Northfield. 

    INVEst in the future

    • Welcome visitors of all abilities with ADA compliance​
    • Modern, more environmentally sustainable coolant system​
    • Locker rooms would accommodate a full team and include amenities to align with MN High School League best practices. ​
    • Space to serve non-ice uses for the community including book fairs, home and garden show, and other events​
    • Renovation of existing facility would cost $15MM and result in the same tax implication to residents as a new facility​
    • There is a buyer for the current arena and it will get repurposed as indoor recreational facility.

    Click to view Fox9 News Video on Northfield Hockey Arena

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