West Fargo, North Dakota had two existing ice sheets to handle a rapidly-growing population and demand for ice time. In need of more ice sheets, the School District turned to JLG to help provide a cost-effective design for a new facility on the west side of town. The arena includes 2 ice sheets — one as a 1,000 seat competition rink and the other as a 400 seat rink for practice, tournaments, and games with lower attendance demands. The facility acts as home for both current West Fargo high schools, and through creative design can “transform” into the home ice for either school with very little physical requirements, which in turn saves the District up front building cost and operating expense for both schools to have their own dedicated rink. In addition to the high schools, the arena boasts wonderful viewing through several different areas, some enclosed. Multiple locker rooms for each ice sheet, referee spaces, athletic training, and a public skating change area support the rinks, and a large open main lobby contains ticket sales, a community room, and concessions. The facility was designed for expansion of a third ice sheet in the future as West Fargo continues to grow.
Design Award: Metallic Building Company, Building of the Year Award