UI Ice Arena - University of Illinois Fighting Illini Hockey
Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29
UI Ice Arena
406 E. Armory Ave.
Champaign, IL 61820
Year Opened: 1931 Capacity: 1,500
Illini Hockey at a Historic Ice Arena
The University of Illinois Ice Arena opened in November 1931 as a community ice rink for public skating. The Chicago architecture firm Holabird & Root, which also designed the university’s Gies Memorial Stadium, built the ice venue. It cost $336,000 and was paid for by profits from the football program.
Intramural hockey arrived on campus in 1935, and by 1937 varsity hockey was added to the university’s schedule. After three seasons in which the team won only three games, its fortunes turned around in 1940, when it won three consecutive Western Intercollegiate Championships. However, during World War II, the program was discontinued in 1943, and the building was converted into a mess hall for men in the U.S. Army special training program.
After a year as a distribution center for Time, Inc., the building opened for public skating in 1945, but hockey didn't return until 1955, this time as a club sport. Discussions about moving the hockey program to Division I have stalled, and the team continues to play in the nearly century-old building.
The Fighting Illini hockey team operates an independent schedule after several years in the American College Hockey Association and one year in Midwest College Hockey. The move reduced travel costs and brought teams closer to the Champaign campus. The club captured two ACHA championships in 2005 and 2008 and has made four ACHA Final Four appearances.
Food & Beverage 3
The concession stands offer hot food and beverages, including popcorn, hot dogs, pretzels, cheese and pizza sticks, and nachos. Fans can also enjoy a slice of Jets pizza and combo meals that include a hot dog, bag of chips, and a fountain drink. The price for single items is between $2.50 and $4, while combos are between $5.50 and $11.
Atmosphere 3
Fans enter through a modern main lobby off of Armory Street. The Illini Ice Girls welcome fans and handle tickets by stamping the hands of each guest. The interior of the ice rink features a brick facade and several banners hanging on the wall.
The ice rink seats 1,500 people with 5 rows of bleacher seats above the playing surface. There are standing-room-only sections on the ice level and a main lobby with restrooms and a concession stand. A few tables and stools are set up at the corners against the glass boards.
Neighborhood 5
The University of Illinois Ice Arena is within walking distance of downtown Champaign. There are many well-known establishments downtown along Green Street that have supported the Illini fanbase for decades.
Joe’s Brewery is a beloved spot with affordable prices, live bands, and a DJ. Joe’s also has a beer garden. Legends is a sports bar with its own outdoor beer garden. Murphy’s Pub is an Irish-themed restaurant with 25 beers on tap. Papa Del's Pizza serves deep dish, super stuff, and thin-crust pizza with frozen options to take home. KAMS and Red Lion are popular student spots on the weekend.
The Illini basketball team plays next door to the football stadium at the State Farm Center, the volleyball team calls Huff Hall home, and the football team plays at Gies Memorial Stadium.
Fans 3
Games are well supported throughout the season, even though the game we attended was somewhat light. Still, a dedicated group of fans wore team colors, and a few banged a cowbell.
Access 4
The building is small and features a lobby and the rink with two sides of seating. The main seating area is accessible by four narrow staircases. Parking for the game is tricky due to neighborhood permit parking restrictions. There is metered parking a couple of blocks from the building at 75 cents an hour.
Return on Investment 3
Adult tickets can be purchased online and scanned at the arena for $12, and kids' tickets are $5. Concession prices range between $2.50 and $4.00, while combo prices are between $5.50 and $11. There are a few merchandise items on sale at the game.
Extras 2
The Illini Ice Girls earn a point for their hospitality and performances on ice during intermission. The building earns a second point for affordable concession items.
Final Thoughts
College hockey venues in the Midwest are hard to find south of Michigan, and the Fighting Illini hockey club does a nice job of providing fans with an affordable night of hockey on the campus of the University of Illinois.
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Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com
