BLOG 6: Daniels salutes Ewigleben Ice Arena renovations

By Sandy Gholston

Ferris State hockey players celebrate a goal during a home game in Ewigleben Ice Arena in Big Rapids (FSU Photographic Services)

GRAND RAPIDS – Robert L. Ewigleben Ice Arena, perennially one of the more intimidating facilities for visiting ice hockey teams due to its small and somewhat cramped nature with loud fans, was in desperate need of upgrades.

Ferris State University’s Board of Trustees approved a $3.3 million renovation project that took place during the summer (2008). The new-and-improved hockey facility boasts a new playing surface (including new flooring and piping systems), vastly-improved lighting as well as new dasher boards and glass (for the main and studio rinks in the complex). Additionally, the facility underwent upgrades to the visiting locker rooms in phase two of an overall renovation plan that began several years back with the new home locker room.

“I really want to thank the administration at Ferris State University for recognizing the need to make these improvements we’ve made to the facility … these are much-needed upgrades,” Ferris head coach Bob Daniels said as he spoke during the Central Collegiate Hockey Association Media Day at Van Andel Arena. “This is actually phase two of a renovation plan. Phase one was the locker room project for the home team. Again, I want to again thank the administration for making these changes and I think teams visiting the arena will enjoy it a lot more than in the past.”

The 2,943-seat Ewigleben Ice Arena opened in 1976 and is home to Ferris’ ice hockey team as well as the Big Rapids High School hockey team and a number of youth hockey programs in the area.

If you have any questions, ideas or comments feel free to contact Sandy Gholston at sgholston2@netzero.com