The University of St. Thomas
“Elevating UST as a Leading Division I National Catholic University”
The arena includes 6,200 seats for men’s and women’s basketball, 5,000 for men’s and women’s hockey, and 6,500 for concerts. Fans enter at ground level into a grand lobby, which includes vertical circulation up to the concourse level. This lobby will also function as an event space, capable of hosting receptions and smaller gatherings. The seating bowl incorporates a mix of retractable, variable rise, and platform sections designed to optimize sight lines for both basketball and hockey. The objective was to give each sport the atmosphere of a dedicated, single-sport venue. The flexible seating layout also allows for quick changeovers to accommodate St. Thomas commencement ceremonies, academic convocations, guest speakers, career fairs, and other university and community events. At 250,000 square feet, the complex is more than just a state-of-the-art arena. Its east wing will serve as the hub for seven intercollegiate athletic programs. Tommie basketball, hockey, soccer, and softball will each have dedicated administrative offices and full team suites, along with facilities for training, rehabilitation, performance development, nutrition, academic support, and team meetings—all conveniently located near their home competition venues.
CLIENT
The University of St. Thomas
LOCATION
St. Paul, MN
SIZE
5,000 seats
EXPERTISE
Master Planning/ Concept Design, Architecture, Interior Architecture, Brand Activation, Signage & Wayfinding, Stadiums & Arenas, Health & Wellness, Mixed-Use, Commercial Office
This is about more than just hockey and basketball games – this is a gift that will be transformative for our entire St. Paul campus, enhance the experience of our students, and raise visibility for the university as a whole. It also creates a new community and economic asset for the Twin Cities, the state of Minnesota, and the region.
Rob Vischer, University of St. Thomas President
For 138 years, St. Thomas has demonstrated commitment to excellence in all that it does, and this arena shows that same commitment to our Division I transition. Tommie hockey and basketball compete in some of the country’s best conferences, and this new arena will provide practice, competition and fan experiences expected of a Division I program. This gift helps St. Thomas to continue its upward trajectory in athletics and as an institution.
Phil Esten, University of St. Thomas VP of Athletics
