Burlington Ice Palace

Burlington Ice Palace. The Burlington Ice Palace was a prominent ice hockey and public skating arena located in Burlington, Vermont. Opened in 1970, it served for nearly three decades as the primary home for the University of Vermont Catamounts men's ice hockey team and hosted numerous regional sporting and entertainment events. Its closure in 1998 marked the end of an era for the local sports community, preceding the opening of newer, modern facilities in the region.

History

The arena's construction was championed in the late 1960s to provide a dedicated home for the burgeoning NCAA Division I program of the University of Vermont. Funded through a partnership between the university and the city of Burlington, the facility opened its doors in 1970. For much of its existence, the Ice Palace was intrinsically linked to the successes of the Catamount Ice Hockey team, particularly under coaches like Mike Gilligan. The venue also played a significant role in the community, serving as a hub for youth hockey leagues, including those affiliated with Vermont State Amateur Hockey Association, and public skating sessions for residents of Chittenden County.

Architecture and facilities

The structure was a functional, single-rink arena design common for its era, with a steel frame and exterior of corrugated metal. Its most distinctive feature was a barrel-vaulted roof that spanned the ice surface and seating areas. The interior bowl seated approximately 4,000 spectators for hockey, with bleacher-style seating ringing the ice. Player facilities included two locker rooms, with additional spaces for officials, and a small concession area operated by Aramark. The ice plant utilized a direct-expansion refrigeration system, and the building also housed a modest pro shop and a rental office for Burlington Parks & Recreation.

Events and operations

Beyond being the home arena for the University of Vermont Catamounts, the Ice Palace hosted a wide array of events. It was a frequent site for ECAC Hockey tournament games and regular season contests against rivals like the Boston University Terriers and University of New Hampshire Wildcats. The arena also staged major concerts by acts including Bob Dylan and Aerosmith, and hosted family shows like the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Community events were a staple, with the building regularly occupied for high school hockey championships, figure skating competitions sanctioned by the United States Figure Skating Association, and learn-to-skate programs.

Closure and legacy

By the mid-1990s, the aging facility was deemed inadequate for modern collegiate athletics, lacking in revenue-generating amenities like luxury suites and sufficient concessions. The final NCAA hockey game was played there in 1998, after which the University of Vermont team moved to the new Gutterson Fieldhouse annex. The Ice Palace was demolished later that year, and the site was redeveloped for university expansion. The arena is remembered fondly for its intimate atmosphere and as the crucible for Vermont hockey talent that later played in the National Hockey League, such as John LeClair and Martin St. Louis. Its passing solidified the legacy of Gutterson Fieldhouse as the enduring home of Catamount Ice Hockey.