Braemar Arena Upgrades and Expansion

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Front entrance of Braemar Arena with metal sculpture of hockey player in foreground

Braemar Arena will be upgraded and expanded to improve the experience for skaters, help meet community demand for ice time and preserve its historic legacy.


The $45.2 million project highlights include:

  • A new indoor ice rink
  • Expansion and remodel of the lobby
  • Safety improvements to to the drop-off/pick-up area
  • ADA improvements
  • Expanded parking
  • Modernizing the rink cool systems
  • Replacing dasher boards and player areas
  • Improving the locker rooms and restrooms
  • Replacing the HVAC systems


Braemar Arena was built in the 1960s and has had a patchwork of upgrades since then, but some of its infrastructure is failing and many areas are worn and dated. Demand for ice time, from recreational hockey leagues to figure skating lessons to open ice skating, exceeds capacity. A half-cent sales and use tax approved by Edina voters in November 2022 will provide funding for the upgrades and expansion.

The first steps of this project be spent on planning and design due to the complexity and the need to minimize the impact on those who use the Arena.

Follow this project for updates.

Braemar Arena will be upgraded and expanded to improve the experience for skaters, help meet community demand for ice time and preserve its historic legacy.


The $45.2 million project highlights include:

  • A new indoor ice rink
  • Expansion and remodel of the lobby
  • Safety improvements to to the drop-off/pick-up area
  • ADA improvements
  • Expanded parking
  • Modernizing the rink cool systems
  • Replacing dasher boards and player areas
  • Improving the locker rooms and restrooms
  • Replacing the HVAC systems


Braemar Arena was built in the 1960s and has had a patchwork of upgrades since then, but some of its infrastructure is failing and many areas are worn and dated. Demand for ice time, from recreational hockey leagues to figure skating lessons to open ice skating, exceeds capacity. A half-cent sales and use tax approved by Edina voters in November 2022 will provide funding for the upgrades and expansion.

The first steps of this project be spent on planning and design due to the complexity and the need to minimize the impact on those who use the Arena.

Follow this project for updates.

  • RFQ Released for Construction Manager at Risk

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    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

  • Architectural Firm JLG Architects Selected for Project Design

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    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.

  • Architectural and Engineering Request for Qualifications Issued

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    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.

  • Predesign and Planning

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    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.


Page last updated: 30 Jan 2025, 07:14 AM