Stephen Hetland Arena - UMass Dartmouth Corsairs
- Paul Baker
- Feb 2
- 5 min read
Updated: Feb 3
Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43
Hetland Arena 310 Hathaway Blvd New Bedford, MA 02740
Year Opened: 1974 Capacity: 1,500
Stay the Course
The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (better known as UMass Dartmouth) is one of five campuses in the University of Massachusetts system. It is located in the town of Dartmouth on the south coast of Massachusetts, between the cities of Fall River and New Bedford. The university has an enrollment of about 8,000 students, about half of whom live on campus. The school offers 123 undergraduate programs and 32 graduate programs.
Hetland Arena is a public skating facility located in New Bedford, MA. Operated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, it has been the home of the UMass Dartmouth hockey team since the mid-70s beginnings of the program. The rink was dedicated in memory of Steven Hetland, a local youth who played peewee hockey there during the 1970s.
UMass Dartmouth is a member of Division III’s Little East Conference, which consists of schools from throughout New England. 2025-2026 marks the league’s inaugural ice hockey season. Hockey has been played at UMD since 1974, with the Corsairs appearing in four NCAA tournaments over their history, reaching the national quarterfinals in 2006 and 2007.
Food & Beverage 2
There is a concession stand in the main lobby. The menu pales in comparison to many other community rinks around New England. What you’ll find here is a decent selection of snacks, including muffins, cookies, and cinnamon rolls. Fans looking for something a bit more substantial will find hot dogs, pizza slices, nachos, and Cup o’ Noodles on the menu. Chicken tenders, fries, onion rings, and mozzarella sticks add to the offerings. Shushes and hot drinks are sold here. Unfortunately, this stand isn’t always open for Corsair games, nor is the full menu always available.
On nights when the concession stand isn’t open, there are vending machines in the lobby selling Pepsi products and snacks. Fans are welcome to bring in their own snacks at a Corsairs game, and in this chilly rink, hot beverages from the local Dunkin’ Donuts are a popular choice.
Atmosphere 2
At a small community rink, you wouldn’t expect an over-the-top game day presentation, and you won’t get one here at Hetland Arena. The UMass Dartmouth staff does do their best to put on a good show for the fans who do show up. Classic rock blares out of a pair of portable speakers set up on the far side of the rink during play stoppages.
A small scoreboard on the north end of the rink provides basic game information, and the PA announcer works to keep fans informed on the goings on down on the ice with a high-energy delivery. The team debuted a baby blue home jersey in the 2024-25 season, which has been a huge hit with fans.
Neighborhood 2
Hetland Arena is located next door to New Bedford High School, close to Paul Walsh Field, the former home of the New Bedford Bay Sox of the New England Collegiate Baseball League.
Hetland Arena is located in a residential area, without a whole lot of businesses or attractions in the immediate area. Visiting fans can find a few eateries on nearby Route 6, but to get the best bang for your buck while visiting New Bedford, head downtown, a few short miles away from the rink.
New Bedford is another New England city that has suffered through some hard times and is struggling to rebuild both its infrastructure and its reputation. Thanks to a great deal of investment from civic leaders and local businesses, downtown New Bedford has a great National Historic Park, many museums, shops, galleries, restaurants, and bars. It’s a nice place to visit and is improving all the time.
Despite this, New Bedford isn’t really considered to be a destination city, especially with popular tourist spots such as Cape Cod, Newport, and Providence all close by. Still, New Bedford is not the dangerous wasteland it is sometimes made out to be. Check it out, you will be pleasantly surprised.
Fans 2
UMass Dartmouth draws between 100 and 200 fans per game at Hetland Arena. A Corsair crowd can accurately be described as a “friends and family” crowd, as most of the fans in attendance have a personal connection with the players competing on the ice. With UMass Dartmouth’s schedule made up almost entirely of local teams, it’s not unusual to find supporters of the visiting teams in the stands as well. Unfortunately, even though Hetland Arena is only four miles from the UMass Dartmouth campus, there’s not much of a turnout from the student body.
Access 4
Hetland Arena is located on the campus of New Bedford High School, four miles from the UMass Dartmouth campus, near the intersections of Interstate 195 and Route 140. It is easily accessible by car, which is the preferred method to arrive at a Corsairs game. There is ample parking both on the street and in a lot across the street from the rink.
Fans will enter Hetland Arena on the west (Hathaway Boulevard) side of the building. There is a small lobby that fans will pass through on their way to the rink. This is a popular spot for fans to hang out during intermissions as an escape from the chilly rink. Dress warm if you’re coming to a Corsairs hockey game, it is cold at Hetland.
Seating at Hetland Arena consists entirely of wooden bleachers on either side of the rink. Netting runs the length of the rink on both sides, obscuring views from all points. Restrooms are located on the north corners of the rink and are large enough to handle a typical Corsair crowd. Just time your trip to the men’s room carefully, as you’ll be sharing the room with the Corsair players.
Return on Investment 4
Admission to a UMass Dartmouth hockey game is sold as general admission for seven dollars, with students admitted for five dollars. Parking is free both on the street and in the lots near the rink. Should the concession stand be open, food is reasonably priced. An evening at a Corsairs hockey game is an affordable entertainment option for local sports fans.
Extras 1
There’s not a whole lot at a community rink like Hetland Arena that can be considered extra. UMass Dartmouth has some banners hanging in one corner of the rink commemorating past tournament appearances and conference championships.
Final Thoughts
While Hetland Arena is no more than a serviceable home for the Corsairs, UMass Dartmouth hockey fans are advised to keep their eyes on the horizon. There are whispers in the air of big things coming in the future for Corsair hockey.
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