Facility Spotlight: Penn State University, Pegula Ice Arena

Many are familiar with Penn State University. But have you heard of their new Ice Hockey Facility?

One way or another people are familiar with Penn State, whether it be from hearing about their many academic achievements, watching their sporting events, or even venturing out to visit one of the 24 campuses that are located in Pennsylvania. Penn State is home to 17,000 faculty and staff, while educating more than 100,000 students worldwide. Not only are the students involved and recognized in the classroom, but Penn State is also known for having one of the top Division I athletic programs in the country. They are home to 19 athletic facilities around the main campus, the newest being the Pegula Ice Arena.

The Pegula Ice Arena features two ice surfaces, one home to Penn State’s varsity ice hockey programs and the other available to the public as a community rink. The Penn State men’s and women’s arena allows seating for 5,782 fans including a student section that seats 1,000.

“The two-sheet facility is home to the Nittany Lions beginning with the 2013-14 season. The building hosts a 5,000 square foot weight room, hydrotherapy training center, steam room, team lounge and locker room area.”

Along with hosting all of the home games for the Nittany Lions, this arena has the potential to host National Hockey League and American Hockey League games.

This facility started with the largest donation in University history. Terry and Kim Pegula donated $88 million dollars to allow for the school’s vision of developing a Division I ice hockey program. When the ceremony took place in April of 2012 the Pegulas donated another $14 million  to bring the total to $102 million dollars.

A HydroWorx 1200 Series pool is a main feature of the 200,000 square foot hydrotherapy center within the arena. The 1200 Series pool is fully equipped with a variable depth floor which doubles as an underwater treadmill, as well as resistance jets and an underwater camera for the best rehabilitation and training sessions. Additionally, the facility is equipped with a ThermalPlunge and PolarPlunge pool, providing the athletes with relaxation and recovery opportunities.

Watch the tour of the new Pegula Ice Arena Today.