COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio State University is planning to build new facilities for its hockey teams.
Elevenwarriors.com reports a proposal was presented at a recent meeting of the university’s board of trustees to build a new ice rink for both the men’s and women’s hockey programs. Pending board approval of the plan, construction would begin next year, and the new facility would open in spring 2026.
According to the proposal documents, the total budget of the plan hasn’t been finalized, however, it is expected $2.7 million will be required for professional services.
In addition to the ice rinks, the proposed facility would include team locker rooms, an athlete longue, team dining and nutrition spaces, support services, offices for coaches, and team training along with an expansion of spectator seating capacity and broadcasting capabilities.
The new rink would be located near the newly opened Ohio State Lacrosse Stadium.
The men’s team currently plays at Schottenstein Center, while the women’s team plays at the current ice rink, which only holds 1,000 people.
Women’s hockey coach Nadine Muzerall told Eleven Warriors she had contacted university athletics officials about the possibility of a new facility after winning the national championship last year.
“We’ve won with, let’s be honest, the ugliest rink in collegiate hockey and we still won a national championship,” Muzerall said.
While Muzerall says she doesn’t believe every player she recruits would necessarily put an emphasis on having a new rink, she would “embrace” having one built.
