Ice Box (arena)
Multi-purpose arena in Lincoln, Nebraska
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Ice Box is a multi-purpose arena on the campus of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in Lincoln, Nebraska. It has a listed capacity of 4,212 and primarily serves as the home venue of the Lincoln Stars of the United States Hockey League.
Lincoln, Nebraska
-
- 4,231 (1996–1998)
- 5,010 (1998–mid-2000s)
- 4,610 (mid-2000s–2015)
  The Ice Box Location within Nebraska  The Ice Box Location within the United States | |
| Location | 1800 Transformation Drive Lincoln, Nebraska |
|---|---|
| Owner | University of Nebraska–Lincoln |
| Operator | Lincoln Stars |
| Capacity | 4,212 (2015–present)
List
|
| Surface | Multi-surface |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 1951 |
| Renovated | 1996 |
| Expanded | 1998 |
| Closed | 2031 (planned) |
| Architects | Ayars & Ayars |
| Tenants | |
| Lincoln Stars (USHL) (1996–present) No Coast Roller Derby (WFTDA) (2015–present) | |
Lincoln Stars
Constructed in 1951 as a livestock arena on the grounds of the Nebraska State Fair, the venue was adapted for ice hockey when the expansion Lincoln Stars joined the United States Hockey League in 1996.[1] The Stars were highly successful in their first decade, often filling the Ice Box beyond its listed capacity and selling out every game from 1996 until 2002.[1] Though still strong compared to the rest of the league, attendance numbers have dropped as the team's success faded.[2] The Ice Box's fans and overall atmosphere have been praised as the USHL's best.[1][3]
In 2008, the university acquired the Ice Box and state fairgrounds in a ceremonial transaction with the City of Lincoln; though the arena was spared, the fairgrounds were demolished to make room for Nebraska Innovation Campus.[4] The Ice Box is leased to the Stars until 2031, at which time it is recommended for demolition, with mixed-use or research facilities to be constructed on the site.[5]
Other tenants
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln does not sponsor a varsity men's or women's ice hockey program, but its men's club team used the Ice Box to practice until the John Breslow Ice Hockey Center opened in 2015.[6] Despite initial speculation the Stars may also move to the Breslow Center, team officials stated the 1,500-seat venue "just wouldn’t fit our needs."[3]
No Coast Roller Derby, a co-ed flat track roller derby league, has hosted events at the Ice Box since 2015.[7]
Until 2008, the Ice Box's ice surface was removed during summer and early fall months to accommodate state fair events.[3] The arena is occasionally used to host small concerts and student events.[8]