The outdated facility could not maintain ice surface temperatures.
It lacked essential HVAC systems such as dehumidification and air conditioning. What is more, the layout of the arena was inefficient due to its small building footprint and antiquated seating structural systems.
The new arena boasts improved facilities for men’s and women’s hockey and lacrosse teams.
New athletics and hockey administration areas overlook a new lobby, concession space, and ticketing. Further updates include a dedicated strength and conditioning center, athletic training suite, expanded press facilities, premium box seating, and new finishes, lighting, and acoustics.
The design integrates the college’s existing programming via a three-story addition to the south.
The addition includes a two-story linear entry lobby with direct arena access. Dedicated team and shared support spaces, hockey and coach offices, and private suites offer overlooking windows of the arena.
Striated brick and cast stone masonry mark the entrances to the metal panel-clad structure. Support facilities are embedded into the landscape, leaving public access spaces above grade.
The design transforms the overall athlete and spectator experience.
New amenities include a sports medicine room with therapy pools, strength training, shooting practice space, a lacrosse area, and a hockey office suite. Fans enjoy an entrance lobby for premier suites, as well as new rink dasher boards, glass, betting, and scoreboard.
Within a year of opening, the men’s hockey team was a U.S. champion.
After an eight-month construction period, Schneider Arena reopened to the public in the fall of 2013. The following year, as though scripted by a team of screenwriters, the Providence Friars men’s hockey team won its first national championship.
Former NHL Calgary Flames goaltender Jon Gillies turned away 49 of Boston University’s 52 shots in the win, taking home the Frozen Four MVP honor.
