Lansing Chapman Rink

Lansing Chapman Rink. It was the original home of the Cornell Big Red men's ice hockey team from its opening in 1958 until its replacement in 2010. Named for alumnus and benefactor Lansing Chapman, the facility was a central venue for collegiate hockey in the Ithaca, New York region for over five decades. The rink's history is deeply intertwined with the rise of the Cornell Big Red program under legendary coaches like Ned Harkness and the team's success in ECAC Hockey and the NCAA Division I men's ice hockey tournament.

History

The rink was constructed as the university sought to elevate its varsity sports programs in the post-World War II era. Its opening coincided with the hiring of coach Ned Harkness, who would build a national powerhouse at the venue. The arena witnessed the program's first NCAA Division I men's ice hockey tournament appearance in 1967 and its first national championship in 1967. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, it was the site of fierce ECAC Hockey rivalries against teams like Harvard and Boston University. The final varsity game was played in 2010 before the team moved to the new Lynah Rink expansion.

Design and construction

Built at a cost of approximately $1 million, the rink was a straightforward, functional structure designed primarily for athletic use. The original design featured a steel-truss roof spanning the ice surface and seating for 2,500 spectators, with standing room for several hundred more. Key construction materials included concrete for the foundations and bowling alley maple for the original flooring in certain areas. The ice plant utilized early refrigeration technology common for the era. Its location on campus was strategically chosen near other athletic facilities like Schoellkopf Field.

Usage and events

Primarily the home of the Cornell Big Red men's ice hockey team, the rink hosted countless ECAC Hockey regular season and playoff contests. It was also a venue for the NCAA Division I men's ice hockey tournament on several occasions, including regional games. Beyond varsity athletics, the facility was used for physical education classes, intramural sports, and public skating sessions for the Ithaca, New York community. It served as a practice site for figure skating and hosted local high school hockey tournaments and events for Tompkins County residents.

Renovations and upgrades

Major upgrades in the 1970s included improvements to the refrigeration system and dasher boards. In the 1990s, renovations focused on spectator amenities, including new seating, expanded concession stand areas, and updated restroom facilities. The most significant late-career upgrade was the installation of a new Olympic-size ice sheet in 2000, which required modifications to the building's foundation. These projects were overseen by the university's Facilities Management department, often funded by donations from the Cornell University alumni network.

Management and operations

Daily operations were managed by the Cornell University Department of Athletics and Physical Education. Key personnel included a dedicated rink manager, a team of maintenance staff for ice maintenance, and a ticketing office coordinated with the university's central Athletic Department. Scheduling was coordinated with the ECAC Hockey league office and other campus entities. The facility's final years of operation saw planning for its replacement, a process involving university administrators, the Board of Trustees, and consultations with architectural firms like Sasaki Associates.

Category:Ice hockey venues in New York (state) Category:Cornell University buildings and structures Category:Sports venues completed in 1958