Herb Brooks National Hockey Center

For fans of dynamic sports and university traditions, the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center in St. Cloud is a must-visit destination. This modern sports complex, located on the campus of St. Cloud State University in the USA, is considered the heart of the region's hockey life. It is home to the famous Huskies men's and women's teams, whose games consistently attract thousands of loyal fans.

The complex is impressive in scale: it includes two Olympic-sized rinks and a spacious four-story glass atrium that serves as the stadium's grand entrance. The arena can accommodate over 6,000 spectators, with a maximum capacity reaching 8,000 people. Inside, visitors will find comfortable lounge areas like the Husky Den, a pro shop with university apparel, and modern press centers.

The center was named in honor of the legendary coach Herb Brooks, whose legacy is inextricably linked to the successes of American hockey. After a major renovation in 2013, the building gained a stylish facade and improved amenities for athletes and guests, transforming into a multi-functional space that hosts not only ice battles but also concerts and spectacular figure skating shows.

You can contact the center's administration or check details of upcoming matches using the following contact information:

The main reason to visit this center is the hockey matches. The energy at Huskies games is truly electric: fans sing fight songs, participate in traditional rituals, and passionately cheer for their favorites. You can see future NHL stars in action and feel the authentic spirit of American college sports surrounded by thousands of fans.

During intermissions or before the game, be sure to stop by the Husky Den—a cozy lounge area where you can discuss the teams' chances. Explore the spacious concourses where classic stadium snacks and drinks are sold, and don't forget to visit the university shop to pick up a souvenir with the Huskies logo.

In addition to sporting events, the complex often serves as a venue for concerts and ice shows. The architecture of the center itself is also interesting to observe: its modern atrium and training zones are examples of cutting-edge sports infrastructure. If your visit is planned for after 2026, you will be able to experience the updated rink, renovated specifically to professional league standards.

The Herb Brooks National Hockey Center is conveniently located on the southern edge of the St. Cloud State University campus. If you are traveling by car from the city center, the drive along 4th Ave S will take only 5–10 minutes. Parking is available for visitors directly next to the arena.

For those who prefer public transport, St. Cloud Metro Bus routes run regularly to the campus. You can also use taxi services or popular ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft, which will drop you off at the main entrance in minutes.

If you are in the central part of the university campus, the walk to the center takes about 10–15 minutes. For travelers coming from other states, the most convenient arrival points are St. Cloud Regional Airport (STC) or Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (MSP), which is about a 1.5-hour drive from the arena.

The history of this ice palace began in the late 1980s. The construction of the complex was approved in 1987 thanks to the persistence of university leadership, who sought to take the hockey program to a new level. The first symbolic stone was laid in the fall of 1988, and by December 1989, it hosted its debut match against Northern Michigan, drawing over 4,000 excited spectators.

Of particular significance to the center is the name of Herb Brooks, the legendary coach who orchestrated the "Miracle on Ice" at the 1980 Olympics. It was Brooks who took over the local Huskies team in 1986 and initiated the program's transition to NCAA Division I, which served as the catalyst for creating the modern arena. In 2013, the complex was officially renamed in his honor following a major renovation that transformed the stadium into an ultra-modern sporting facility.

Interestingly, the arena is constantly evolving. In 2019, a new high-tech weight room was added, and in the spring of 2026, work is scheduled to begin on replacing the cooling system and reconfiguring the ice rink to NHL standards. This highlights the center's commitment to remaining one of the premier hockey venues in the USA.

To fully soak up the atmosphere of college hockey, it is recommended to set aside 2 to 3 hours for your visit. This is enough time to watch a match, grab a snack in the lounge area, and stop by the souvenir shop for some team gear.

If you are planning a brief visit on a non-game day—for example, to see the architecture of the atrium or participate in an organized tour—1 to 1.5 hours should be sufficient. Be sure to account for parking time on major game days, as the influx of fans can be quite significant.

The operating hours of the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center depend directly on the training and home game schedules of the Huskies teams. Typically, the arena doors open to visitors 1.5–2 hours before the start of scheduled matches or events.

On days when no competitions are held, access to the building may be limited. To clarify tour times or souvenir shop hours, it is recommended to check the official events calendar on the university website in advance, as there is no fixed public visiting schedule outside of events.

After attending a hockey match or touring the arena, it is worth spending some time exploring the surroundings. The campus area and adjacent St. Cloud streets offer interesting historical and cultural sites that help you get to know the region better.