Braemar Arena Upgrades and Expansion

Expansion plans at Braemar Arena just took a big step forward with the unveiling of the overall design concept. The project includes transforming Braemar’s outdoor ice rink into a state-of-the art, fourth indoor rink that will create greater flexibility year-round, take weather conditions out of the equation and allow more spectators to enjoy the action.

The existing outdoor rink floor will be used for the new indoor rink, saving funds for other improvements. The City is also exploring how other parts of the outdoor rink could potentially be used in another location. New and updated lobby areas, a new central corridor, accessibility improvements for all and critical infrastructure system upgrades to existing rinks are also included in the project.

"This is an especially complex project, because Braemar Arena has rinks in various lifecycle stages, including the West rink that opened in 1965," said Parks & Recreation Director Perry Vetter. "An immense amount of planning work was done behind the scenes to ensure this core concept design will ultimately help us build a better Braemar Arena within our budget, but also create a better user experience. Now we're excited to dive into the detailed design phase and begin initial construction this summer."

Braemar Arena attracts more than 1 million visits every year from the United States and other countries. The expansion is expected to increase visits. A new central corridor leading to a new second lobby between the fourth indoor rink and the north end of the West rink will reduce congestion in one of the busiest arenas in the region. A dedicated drop-off and pick-up lane will provide safer and more efficient traffic flow.

New water filtration and refrigeration systems will significantly improve ice quality, resulting in smoother, harder ice, which means fewer ruts and shards, easier maintenance and better skating conditions. Upgraded dehumidification systems will make spectator areas more comfortable and locker rooms better ventilated.

"We met with leaders from Braemar's user groups over the past couple months to share preliminary plans," said Jesse Buchholz, General Manager of Braemar Arena. "The feedback was positive, the dialogue has been helpful and we'll continue to engage our users during this next phase."

The detailed design development and construction documentation phase will be completed this summer. Construction at Braemar Arena is slated to begin this summer and wrap up in Fall of 2027.

The City of Edina has selected Knutson Construction as the Construction Manager for the Braemar Arena Upgrades and Expansion Project. Founded in 1954 and headquartered in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, Knutson Construction brings a strong track record of managing complex building renovations.

Knutson is already working closely with City Staff, JLG, and the project team to support the schematic design phase.

The City of Edina has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) for the Braemar Arena and Field expansion and renovation project. The selected CMAR will work closely with city staff, project architect JLG, and key stakeholders to ensure efficient planning, budgeting, and construction management. Qualified firms are invited to submit their qualifications for consideration in this vital role in the project's successful execution. https://qcpi.questcdn.com/cdn/posting/?projType=&group=7223&provider=7223

The City of Edina has selected JLG Architects, a nationally recognized leader in ice arena design, to provide design services and lead community engagement for the upcoming project. Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Minneapolis, JLG is the only firm with both a Certified Ice Technician Architect and Certified Ice Arena Manager on staff. With extensive experience in new ice arena construction, as well as renovation and expansion projects, JLG brings a wealth of expertise. The firm is also recognized as the Architect of Choice for the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) and serves as the lead architect for the United States Hockey League (USHL), North American Hockey League (NAHL), and numerous NCAA Division I programs.

Beyond hockey arenas, JLG’s portfolio includes a wide range of recreation centers and community facilities that serve diverse needs. More details about JLG’s past projects can be viewed HERE.

JLG has already begun collaborating with City of Edina staff to kick off the pre-design phase of the project.

The City of Edina has issued a Request for Qualifications for Professional Architectural and Engineering services for the Braemar Ice Arena Implementation Project. The selected firm will work with the project team to provide planning and design documentation as well as construction administration for the project duration. The firm will also lead engagement with the community and users to identify needs and barriers and collect feedback.

Firms will be evaluated based on criteria set forth in the posting on the City of Edina Project Bidding Page. Once evaluated staff will give a recommendation to City Council for approval of a design contract. After a firm has been appointed information gathering will commence and a construction manager will be brought onto the team.

We are early in the project process and are in the Predesign and Planning step. City Council approved staff's recommendation for Tegra group as Owners Representative to lead the project team. Apex has been brought on to help with an initial facility assessment. Staff and consultants are gathering information on existing conditions and context. Predesign and Planning will also include gathering user information to determine project scope and needs before bring on an architectural and engineering team as well as a construction manager.