Ralph Engelstad Arena

Ralph Engelstad Arena, also known as "The Ralph," is a multi-purpose arena located on the campus of the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The arena is named after Ralph Engelstad, a University of North Dakota alumnus and Las Vegas casino owner, who donated $100 million to the University of North Dakota for the construction of the arena. The arena is home to the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks men's ice hockey team, which competes in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I and the National Collegiate Hockey Conference. The arena has also hosted various events, including concerts by Elton John, Billy Joel, and Kenny Chesney, as well as mixed martial arts events by the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

● History

The construction of the arena began in 1998 and was completed in 2001, with a total cost of $104 million. The arena was designed by HOK Sport (now Populous) and built by J.E. Dunn Construction Company. The arena was officially opened on October 5, 2001, with a University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks men's ice hockey game against the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers men's ice hockey team. The arena has undergone several renovations since its opening, including the addition of a new video scoreboard and sound system in 2011. The arena has hosted several notable events, including the 2005 NCAA Men's Division I Ice Hockey Tournament and the 2011 NCAA Men's Division I Ice Hockey Tournament, as well as concerts by Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan. The arena has also been used for University of North Dakota commencement ceremonies and other events, such as the Miss North Dakota pageant and the North Dakota State Fair.

● Design and Features

The arena has a seating capacity of over 11,000 for ice hockey games and can accommodate up to 12,000 for concerts and other events. The arena features a unique ice rink design, with a glass dasher board system and a state-of-the-art sound system. The arena also has a club level with luxury suites and a concourse level with concessions and restrooms. The arena is equipped with a video scoreboard and a ribbon board that displays statistics and advertisements during events. The arena has also been recognized for its sustainability features, including a green roof and a rainwater harvesting system, which have earned it a LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The arena has been compared to other notable arenas, such as the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota and the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado.

● Events and Tenants

The arena is home to the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks men's ice hockey team, which competes in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I and the National Collegiate Hockey Conference. The arena has also hosted various events, including concerts by KISS, Aerosmith, and Def Leppard, as well as mixed martial arts events by the Ultimate Fighting Championship and World Wrestling Entertainment. The arena has also been used for University of North Dakota basketball games and other events, such as the North Dakota High School Activities Association state basketball tournament and the NAIA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament. The arena has hosted several notable performers, including Garth Brooks, George Strait, and Tim McGraw, as well as comedy acts like Jerry Seinfeld and Kevin Hart. The arena has also been used for conventions and trade shows, such as the North Dakota Petroleum Council annual meeting and the Upper Midwest Regional Emmy Awards.

● Seating and Amenities

The arena has a seating capacity of over 11,000 for ice hockey games and can accommodate up to 12,000 for concerts and other events. The arena features a unique seating configuration, with a lower level and an upper level that offers premium seating options, including club seats and suite seats. The arena also has a concourse level with concessions and restrooms, as well as a club level with luxury suites and a restaurant. The arena offers a variety of amenities, including Wi-Fi and cell phone charging stations, as well as a team store that sells University of North Dakota merchandise. The arena has also been recognized for its accessibility features, including wheelchair-accessible seating and elevators that provide access to all levels of the arena. The arena has been compared to other notable arenas, such as the Madison Square Garden in New York City and the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.

● Notable Events

The arena has hosted several notable events, including the 2005 NCAA Men's Division I Ice Hockey Tournament and the 2011 NCAA Men's Division I Ice Hockey Tournament, as well as concerts by Elton John, Billy Joel, and Kenny Chesney. The arena has also been used for University of North Dakota commencement ceremonies and other events, such as the Miss North Dakota pageant and the North Dakota State Fair. The arena has hosted several notable performers, including Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan, as well as comedy acts like Jerry Seinfeld and Kevin Hart. The arena has also been used for conventions and trade shows, such as the North Dakota Petroleum Council annual meeting and the Upper Midwest Regional Emmy Awards. The arena has been recognized for its excellent acoustics and state-of-the-art sound system, which have made it a popular venue for concerts and comedy shows. The arena has been compared to other notable arenas, such as the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee and the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta.

Category:Indoor ice hockey venues in the United States Category:Music venues in North Dakota Category:Sports venues in North Dakota