All Seasons Arena celebrates grand reopening with free open skate on Saturday, Sept. 20

To commemorate the grand opening of All Seasons Arena there will be a free public open skate on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Admission and skate rental will be free to the public during this time. 

All Seasons Arena, a 34,000-square-foot facility located at 1251 Monks Avenue, Mankato, was originally built in 1973 and expanded in 1998. It’s owned by the Joint Powers ASA Board (City of Mankato, North Mankato, and Blue Earth County) and operated by the City of Mankato. A cornerstone of the region’s hockey and skating community, the arena underwent a major, multi-phase renovation to modernize the facility and enhance the visitor experience.

Guided by community input, the $14 million project includes updates that improve the arena’s usability and ensure it continues to meet the needs of athletes, families, and residents.

Phase 1 was completed in fall 2024, delivering upgrades to the North Rink with new ice making and refrigeration systems, improved spectator flow and accessibility, and enhanced amenities such as renovated restrooms and concession areas.

The completion of Phase 2 provides upgrades to the South Rink, lobby and improved guest experience throughout the facility. With both rinks fully available for the 2025–26 season, this renovation has provided a vital community hub for high school and youth hockey, figure skating, adult leagues, and recreational skaters throughout the region.

Renovation Details

• North Rink
  • Replacement of the ice sheet concrete and cooling piping.
  • Resized ice sheet to NHL size – 85’x200’. Before the sheet was Olympic sized.
  • New mezzanine with standing room along the balcony.
  • Increased spectator seating for 510.
  • New dasher boards and glass.
• South Rink
  • Replacement of the ice sheet concrete and cooling piping.
  • Increased connection to guest areas.
  • Conditioned space seating areas.
• Concessions Stand & South Rink Guest Area
  • Major goal of the reconfiguration of this part of the facility was to separate spectators from participants. To make this happen, the concessions stand and public restrooms were moved to the upper level.
  • The stairs and elevator lobby were opened to increase connection, and the access between the north and south rinks was relocated on the West end of the building to allow full circulation of the building.
  • Upgraded building materials to meet food preparation needs and ensure longevity.
  • Upgraded accessible restrooms.
  • Inclusive restroom with adult changing table added.
  • Below the concessions stand is the dryland training area, spaces for the Mankato Figure Skating Club, the referee area and public skate sitting areas for skate tying.
• Lobby
  • Renovated and expanded lobby space. 600 SQF were added by reconfiguring the offices and reducing the North rink ice sheet.
  • Improved circulation space by increasing access to rinks from the lobby.
  • The stairs were reconfigured to provide a better flow.
  • Tall ceilings with glass looking into rinks creates the perception of more space.
  • The dehumidification unit, originally located adjacent to the lobby, was relocated further into the North rink to allow for more lobby ceiling height.
• Refrigeration Room
  • A 1,200 SQF addition was built on the west end of the building to house the new combined ammonia refrigeration room to support both sheets of ice.
  • Ammonia, the refrigerant selected for this project, is a naturally occurring material that does not contribute to climate change or ozone depletion.
  • Screw compressors were chosen for their long life and ability to ramp down when appropriate to save energy, reduce operating costs, and avoid short cycling that can reduce equipment life significantly.

The piping under the new rink floors is HDPE or high-density polyethylene which was fusion welded in the field will have a long expected life with a significantly reduced chance for leaks occurring over the life of the floor.