The Herb Brooks National Hockey Center (HBNHC), which is located on the campus of St. Cloud State University. The HBNHC is a multi-purpose facility featuring two Olympic size sheets of ice under one roof. Overall the facility measures more than 140,000 square feet with each sheet of ice measuring 200x100.
The facility was renamed in honor of the legendary hockey coach Herb Brooks in April 2013. Brooks coached at SCSU for one season in 1986-87 and he played a pivotal role in the Huskies' move to the NCAA Division I level and helped secure funding for the construction of the facility in the 1980s. The facility underwent a major expansion project that opened with the 2013-14 season, and a statue in honor of Herb Brooks was dedicated at the start of the 2019-20 season.
The expanded Herb Brooks National Hockey Center brings a top-level experience for St. Cloud State University hockey fans and athletes. The HBNHC features several amenities like gathering areas and spectator suites filled with Husky tradition. As fans enter the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center, they are greeted by a stunning entrance on the south side of the building, which includes a spectacular atrium ticket lobby filled with Husky colors and tradition. Elevators and stairways lead fans to a wide concourse level that includes restroom facilities, concession areas, trophy showcases and the classy Husky Den club room. A team store, features a wide selection of Husky souvenirs for fans on game day.
The main ice arena, which was named in honor of former SCSU president Brendan J. McDonald (an advocate for the Huskies' move to Division I in 1987-88), seats 5,159 spectators. The lower level seating features seatbacks, while additional seatback were added in some of the upper level seating areas in 2000 and 2006. The remainder of the upper level seating is bench style. Two scoreboards with video replay monitors are featured on the east and west ends of the main arena. Media providing coverage (TV, radio and print) for HBNHC events are able to work in a spacious press box along the upper level of the building's north side. The second sheet of ice is adjacent to the main arena, and it can accomodate several hundred spectators. Two Zambonis maintain and groom the ice sheets on both rinks. On the lower level, one can find 11 locker rooms, two officials rooms, a fully equipped athletic training room, a weight lifting/fitness center, player lounges, a classroom, HBNHC pro shop, equipment rooms and office space for the St. Cloud State University coaches.
The Huskies' locker rooms are just steps from the main arena. These areas provided players with an outstanding location to prepare for games and practice. The main area of the locker rooms features spacious wood lockers for each player along with whiteboards and video screens for game preparation. The players' lounges provide a comfortable retreat for the SCSU players before and after practices and games. The lounges feature a wide screen television, plush seating arrangements and relaxation areas for the SCSU student-athletes. The locker areas are close to the coaches' offices, athletic training room, weight training/fitness area and equipment room.