Lindenwood Magazine - Fall 2018: Connecting to Alumni and Friends

LINDENWOOD / FALL 2018 20 Lindenwood University / SPORTS MARYLAND HEIGHTS ICE FACILITY WILL BE NEW HOME FOR LINDENWOOD ICE HOCKEY Lindenwood University joined the St. Louis Blues on Thursday, Aug. 16, to break ground on a new 277,000-square-foot ice arena on 25 acres of land in Maryland Heights, Mo. The ice arena will be the new home arena to the Lindenwood men’s and women’s ice hockey programs. The St. Louis Blues , along with the City of Maryland Heights and the St. Louis Legacy Ice Foundation plan to open the facility in September of 2019, which will be located at 750 Casino Center Drive in Maryland Heights. The St. Louis Community Ice Center will feature four NHL-sized ice surfaces, including one outdoor sheet of ice. The main rink will seat up to 2,500 fans while the outdoor sheet of ice will be covered and serve as a multi-purpose venue for additional events other than hockey with a capacity over 4,000 patrons. The state-of-the-art complex will host a wide range of age groups in efforts to grow the game of hockey in the Midwest. “It’s a real opportunity and a real blessing for Lindenwood University to be a part of something like this,” said Lindenwood University President Dr. Michael Shonrock. “Ultimately at the end of the day, it’s about the students and a great experience and their success.” While serving as the St. Louis Blues practice facility, the ice center will contain off-ice training spaces, video rooms, educational spaces, and more. Other organizations that will use the ice arena are the St. Louis Lady Cyclones, St. Louis Blues Alumni, and St. Louis Blues AAA. “...at the end of the day, it’s about the students and a great experience and their success.” Lindenwood University System President Dr. Michael Shonrock Lindenwood officials, students, and coaches joined with other local officials for a groundbreaking ceremony Aug. 16 for a new ice facility in Maryland Heights. The Lions will practice and play their home games there, starting next year.