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BGSU Ice Arena
BGSU I ce A rena
Year-by-Year BGSU
Atendance/Won-Loss Record In Ice Arena
Year
President William Jerome addresses the crowd at the Ice Arena opening in
1967. Dr. Sam Cooper (standing left) gave the opening remarks. Both were
instrumental in the inception of the facility.
It’s safe to say from its grand opening in February 1967, to its around-theclock operation today, no one building in Bowling Green has been responsible
for uniting the University and community more than the Bowling Green State
University Ice Arena.
The building’s three major activities (ice hockey, figure skating, and curling)
have drawn together persons of all ages and backgrounds. Many long-lasting
friendships have been formed through the programs offered at the facility.
The Ice Arena has been home to five high school hockey state championship squads, one NCAA Division I hockey title team, one Olympic figure
skating gold medalist, a mixed curling national championship team, and many
other prominent youth hockey and figure skating clubs, including the BGSU
precision skating team.
BGSU ice hockey games provide an intense atmosphere matched by few
other activities on campus. Large, noisy crowds have been a tradition at the
Ice Arena, a $1.8 million facility constructed between 1965-67. Over two
million fans have packed the arena over the years, testifying to the loyalty of
the BGSU faithful. The Falcons have averaged nearly 3,000 spectators over
their 766 varsity home dates.
Since BGSU hockey started intercollegiate varsity competition in 1969, the
Brown and Orange has won over 65 percent of its home games. The Falcons,
who have had only six losing seasons at the Ice Arena, have an all-time mark of
477-243-46 in the facility. Since the arena’s inception, the Falcons have twice
posted 10 or more consecutive winning seasons at the BGSU Ice Arena and
one stretch of 22 non-losing seasons at the Ice Arena.
136
Attendance
Games
Average
Won
Lost
Tied
Pct.
1969-70........26,008............. 17.............1,530............8...........5............ 4...... .588
1970-71........37,668............. 16.............2,354...........14..........2............ 0...... .875
1971-72........56,848............. 18.............3,158...........12..........4............ 2...... .722
1972-73........58,790............. 20.............2,940...........13..........7............ 0...... .650
1973-74........48,253............. 18.............2,681...........11..........7............ 0...... .611
1974-75........51,230............. 18.............2,846...........16..........2............ 0...... .889
1975-76........62,700............. 21.............2,986...........16..........5............ 0...... .762
1976-77........50,128............. 20.............2,506...........17..........3............ 0...... .850
1977-78........63,110............. 24.............2,630...........23..........1............ 0...... .958
1978-79........76,903............. 26.............2,958...........22..........5............ 2...... .793
1979-80........51,893............. 18.............2,883............9...........9............ 0...... .500
1980-81........46,814............. 19.............2,464...........10..........9............ 0...... .526
1981-82........47,245............. 18.............2,625...........14..........4............ 0...... .778
1982-83........64,358............. 20.............3,218...........17..........1............ 2...... .900
1983-84........65,747............. 20.............3,287...........18..........2............ 0...... .900
1984-85........63,725............. 20.............3,186...........13..........7............ 0...... .650
1985-86........61,585............. 20.............3,079...........16......... 4............ 0...... .800
1986-87........65,433............. 21.............3,116...........17..........3............ 1...... .833
1987-88........67,218............. 23.............2,923...........16..........6............ 1...... .717
1988-89........56,807............. 20.............2,840...........13..........4............ 3...... .725
1989-90........79,376............. 20.............3,969...........14..........6............ 0...... .700
1990-91........67,951............. 18.............3,775...........11..........7............ 0...... .611
1991-92........57,287............. 16.............3,580............4..........10........... 2...... .313
1992-93........55,826............. 16.............3,489............9...........6............ 1...... .594
1993-94........62,584............. 20.............3,129...........11..........8............ 1...... .575
1994-95........66,790............. 19.............3,515...........17..........1............ 1...... .921
1995-96........65,231............. 19.............3,433...........14..........5............ 0...... .737
1996-97........72,520............. 19.............3,817...........11..........5............ 3...... .658
1997-98........56,699............. 18.............3,150............5..........12........... 1...... .306
1998-99........52,126............. 17.............3,066............8...........7............ 2...... .529
1999-00........48,110............. 16.............3,007............9...........6............ 1...... .594
2000-01........36,012............. 16.............2,251............9...........5............ 2...... .625
2001-02........39,860............. 17.............2,345............6...........8............ 3...... .441
2002-03........27,572............. 15.............1,838............4...........9............ 2...... .333
2003-04........39,732............. 18.............2,207............7...........6............ 5...... .528
2004-05........45,412............. 17.............2,671............9...........7............ 1...... .559
2005-06........47,165............. 20.............2,358............9..........10........... 1...... .475
2006-07........35,756............. 16.............2,234............4..........10........... 2...... .281
2007-08........40,489............. 18.............2,249............9...........9............ 0...... .502
2008-09........40,882............. 20.............2,044............9...........9............ 2...... .500
2009-10........35,954............. 16.............2,247............3..........10........... 3...... .281
Totals......... 2,124,087.......... 736............2,886..........470.......223......... 43.......668
The current building capacity stands at 5,000, making the arena the 22nd-largest
in college hockey and the fifth largest in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association.
On Dec. 20, 1988, the BGSU Board of Trustees approved the enclosure of the
north end (with 1,687 additional seats), giving the arena a horseshoe configuration.
The Oct. 13, 1989 game against Northern Michigan was the first played in the building with its current capacity with the new seats officially dedicated the next night.
More fans packed the Ice Arena during 1989-90 than any other season as 79,376
spectators passed through the turnstiles. BGSU attracted 13 crowds during the
course of the year that were larger than the previous single-game record, including
two in excess of 5,000.
During the 1996-97 season, the Falcons drew 11 crowds of 4,000-plus fans (one
shy of the school record), including one capacity crowd (5,016) which stands as the
second largest in arena history. During the 1995-96 campaign, the Falcons drew
three full houses, two of which were higher than the previous year’s arena standard.
The old mark fell in December 1995, when 5,021 patrons jammed into BG’s home
to watch the Brown and Orange battle Michigan.
Four seasons ago, 47,165 people attended BGSU hockey games, the largest
number in seven years.
Why is BGSU hockey so popular? Part of the attraction is the speed and excitement of the game. Then there’s the thrill of being a part of one of the loudest and
most enthusiastic crowds in college hockey. BG backers sit close to the action from
2010-11 BOWLING GREEN STATE UNIVERSITY
FALCON HOCKEY MEDIA GUIDE
BGSU Ice Arena
BGSU I ce A rena
Top Ice Arena Crowds
The Bowling Green State University Ice Arena is home to the Falcon hockey program.
all angles of the arena to get the best view of the hometown Falcons and heckle the opposition.
Then again, it is one of the few places in the country where students have lined up outside the main arena
entrance for as long as six hours before the game to get their favorite rinkside seats when the doors open (60
minutes prior to faceoff ).
The BGSU Ice Arena has just recently complete the first phase of the facility’s second renovation since it
opened in 1967. Through the “Bring Back the Glory” campaign as well as State and University funding, the arena
has made some additions to the facility in order to adhere to the changing times while keeping the nostalgia of
such a classical sporting venue. Renovations began in mid-April of 2010 and continued through the summer
months before the rink’s grand re-opening on Oct. 2, 2010.
Far more than merely a hockey rink for BGSU and BG high school teams, the Ice Arena is the site of many
other attractions. The 200’ x 85’ ice surface serves as the home of the BG Youth Hockey Association and is the
summer site of the BGSU Hockey and Figure Skating Schools.
As part of the newest appendages in the Ice Arena, the old curling rink has been replaced with a multi-purpose
auxiliary sheet of ice sized at 150’ x 56’. Intramural and club curling will still be housed in this area but will also
be home to youth ice hockey practices and games. While Falcon hockey games are playing and while the main
sheet is being used, the auxiliary rink will be open for public skating, recreational broomball competitions and
skating lessons. The secondary sheet of ice is equipped with full protective glass and netting with standing room
existing around the south side of the ice.
The lounge has received a makeover after the implementation of carpeting, rubber matting, paint, ceiling tile
and additional BGSU décor and memorabilia to spruce up the entryway.
Replacing the small patch of studio ice on the east side of the arena are two new locker rooms for visiting
teams and community use. Opposite of the locker rooms replacing the studio ice are two additional auxiliary
locker rooms, increasing the total number of locker rooms in the Ice Arena to seven.
Additional renovations remain hopeful as the “Bring Back the Glory” campaign progresses, continuing to
raise money to improve the BGSU Ice Arena the Falcon hockey program.
The BGSU hockey coaching staff moved into new offices as part of a $750,000 renovation project completed
in 2002. The addition included coaches offices, training room, weight room and alumni lounge. A large portion
of the money used for the renovation was donated by former Falcons who played their collegiate careers inside
the BGSU Ice Arena. Four full-size dressing rooms for the Falcons, visiting teams and youth teams, in addition
to two staff/officials’ locker rooms, are also located on the east side of the complex.
One of the most popular events held biennially in April is the “Ice Horizons” production put on by the Bowling Green Figure Skating Club. BG native Scott Hamilton, the 1984 Olympic figure skating gold medalist and
a four-time World champion, has often performed at the show since his youth.
The Ice Arena served as the site of the 2002 Ohio High School Athletic Association’s Ice Hockey Championships.
Other events staged at the Ice Arena over the years have included an East Coast Hockey League game,
regional precision skating championships and camps, national officials training sessions, and the “International
Stars On Ice” show featuring some of the world’s top amateur and professional skaters. The proceeds from the
“International Stars On Ice” program, sponsored biennially (1978-1992) by the BGFSC and produced by BGSU,
went to the American Cancer Society.
In addition, Gordie Howe and the Detroit Red Wings played a fund-raising game against Fort Worth at
the Ice Arena on Oct. 2, 1968, for the benefit of the BGSU club hockey program that regularly drew crowds
of over 2,500 fans. Just 55 days later, the University’s Athletic Committee voted to upgrade hockey to varsity
status effective the next season. The rest is history.
2010-11 BOWLING GREEN STATE UNIVERSITY
1. 5,021 vs. Michigan
• Dec. 2, 1995 (UM, 8-1)
2. 5,016 vs. Michigan
• Nov. 16, 1996 (Tie, 3-3 OT)
3. 5,013 vs. Notre Dame
• Feb. 24, 1996 (BG, 8-2)
4. 5,011 vs. Michigan State
• Nov. 8, 1991 (MSU, 6-3)
5. 5,009 vs. Michigan
• Jan. 27, 1996 (BG, 6-5)
6. 5,008 vs. Michigan State
• Dec. 14, 1990 (MSU, 9-3)
7. 5,006 vs. Michigan
• Nov. 12, 1994 (UM, 7-3)
8. 5,005 vs. Michigan
• Jan. 13, 1990 (BG, 9-8 OT)
9. 5,004 vs. Michigan
• March 4, 1994 (UM, 2-1)
10. 5,002 vs. Michigan State
• Nov. 11, 1989 (MSU, 5-4 OT)
11. 4,998 vs. Michigan State
• Jan. 19, 1990 (MSU, 5-4)
12. 4,989 vs. Michigan
• Jan. 21, 2006 (BG, 5-2)
13. 4,982 vs. Michigan
• Jan. 18, 1991 (UM, 9-1)
14. 4,968 vs. Michigan State
• Jan. 21, 1995 (BG, 6-4)
15. 4,956 vs. Notre Dame
• Jan. 28, 2005
BGSU Ice Arena
Game Records
(All held by BGSU Players)
Team
Goals (15)
•vs. SUNY-Buffalo (Feb. 20, 1976)
•vs. Miami (Oct. 27, 1978)
•vs. Illinois-Chicago (Jan. 29, 1983)
Victory Margin (15)
•vs. Miami, 15-0 (Oct. 27, 1978)
Individual
Goals (5)
•Mike Hartman
vs. SUNY-Buffalo (Feb. 20, 1976)
•Jack Laine
vs. Ohio State (Feb. 25, 1977)
•Jamie Wansbrough
vs. Notre Dame (March 4, 1983)
Assists (7)
•Brian Hills
vs. Ferris State (Jan. 15, 1982)
Points (7)
•Doug Ross
vs. McMaster (Jan. 10, 1975)
•Brian Hills
vs. Ferris State (Jan. 15, 1982)
FALCON HOCKEY MEDIA GUIDE
137
BGSU I ce A rena
BGSU Ice Arena
Post-Expansion
Capacity Crowds
(5,000-plus)
Season
No.
1989-90...................................................7 (2)
1990-91...................................................3 (1)
1991-92...................................................2 (1)
1992-93...................................................1 (0)
1993-94...................................................1 (1)
1994-95...................................................2 (1)
1995-96...................................................3 (3)
1996-97...................................................2 (1)
Crowds of 4,000-Plus
BG has averaged nearly 3,000 spectators per game over its 40-year history.
BGSU Ice Arena Quick Facts
Started Construction: Spring 1965
Original Architect: Buehrer & Stough of Toledo, Ohio
Cost: $1.8 million. The project was financed by revenue producing bonds retired from student fees (no state appropriations) as
part of a $6 million-plus funding package which also financed the University football stadium and track, the Student Services
Building, and the Health Center.
Original Seating Capacity: 2,863 (total capacity of 3,400)
Main Lot Parking: 450 spaces
First Ice Arena Director: Howard “Howie” Starr
First Maintenance Supervisor: Tom Wallace
Designated “First Skater”: BGSU student Janice Thomas of Rochester, N.Y.
Arena Dedication: Saturday, Feb. 25, 1967 (3:20 p.m.). Then University president Dr. William T. Jerome III dropped the
ceremonial first puck, while Dr. Sam Cooper, the founder of the hockey program, gave the opening address. BGSU’s club team
defeated Illinois-Chicago Circle, 8-5. The Falcons’ P.J. Nyitray scored the first goal. The building was originally scheduled to be
dedicated Feb. 17, but a delay in completing the arena set back the official proceedings eight days. The Ice Arena was opened
for University classes on Feb. 20.
First Varsity Game: Friday, Nov. 14, 1969. BGSU defeated Windsor, 8-2.
First Renovation Project Started/Completed: May 1989/October 1989
Architect: Stough & Stough of Toledo, Ohio
General Contractor: The Spieker Company of Holland, Ohio
Mechanical Contractor: Erie Welding & Mechanical
Cost: $650,000
Expansion Dedication: The ceremonial puck drop dedicating the north end addition was performed Saturday, Oct. 14, 1989, by
then BGSU president Dr. Paul J. Olscamp prior to the Falcons’ game against Northern Michigan.
Renovation Included: Additional restrooms, concession stands, and 1,687 seats to bring the seating capacity to 4,550 (total
capacity of 5,000).
Record Crowd: 5,021 (Dec. 2, 1995, vs. Michigan)
Record Crowd Prior To Expansion: 3,793 (Nov. 28, 1986, vs. Michigan State)
Second Renovation Project Started/Completed: April 2010/October 2010
Architect: 360 Architecture (Columbus, Ohio)
General Contractor: Speiker Company (Toledo, Ohio)
Mechanical Contractor: Warner Company
Cost: $6.2 million ($4 million from the State and University, $2.2 million privately generated)
Renovation Included: Replacement of compressors, chillers, coolers, dehumidifiers, lighting and flooring…deconstruction of
curling rink to be replaced with auxiliary ice sheet…addition of four new locker rooms (for a new total of seven).
Official re-opening: The BGSU Ice Arena will re-open after a summer long renovation project on Oct. 2, 2010, tying in with the
University’s homecoming activities occurring around campus. A festive atmosphere will surround the newly reopened doors to
the ice arena with family-friendly activities taking place in and around the facility, complemented with a “Skate with the Falcons”
session prior to the BGSU/Marshall football game.
First game post-renovation: Set for Oct. 3, 2010 in an exhibition game between Wilfrid-Laurier University and BGSU.
138
2010-11 BOWLING GREEN STATE UNIVERSITY
Season
No.
1989-90......................................................12
1990-91........................................................9
1991-92........................................................3
1992-93........................................................4
1993-94........................................................2
1994-95........................................................7
1995-96........................................................8
1996-97......................................................11
1997-98........................................................4
1998-99........................................................4
1999-00........................................................3
2000-01........................................................0
2002-03........................................................1
2003-04........................................................1
2004-05........................................................4
2005-06........................................................2
2006-07........................................................0
2007-08........................................................1
2008-09........................................................1
2009-10........................................................0
Pre-Expansion
Capacity Crowds of 3,000-Plus
Season
No.
1969-70........................................................2
1970-71........................................................3
1971-72......................................................12
1972-73......................................................11
1973-74........................................................6
1974-75........................................................9
1975-76......................................................10
1976-77........................................................5
1977-78......................................................10
1978-79......................................................14
1979-80......................................................11
1980-81........................................................4
1981-82........................................................6
1982-83......................................................16
1983-84......................................................18
1984-85......................................................15
1985-86......................................................13
1986-87......................................................15
1987-88......................................................15
1988-89......................................................10
Top Crowds Pre-Expansion
1. 3,793 vs. Michigan State
• Nov. 28, 1986 (MSU, 5-4)
2. 3,780 vs. Ohio State
• Nov. 7, 1986 (BG, 5-2)
3. 3,756 vs. Notre Dame
• Feb. 26, 1971 (BG, 5-1)
4. 3,628 vs. Michigan State
• Feb. 7, 1987 (Tie, 3-3 OT)
5. 3,622 vs. Ohio State
• Jan. 15, 1972 (OSU, 2-1)
FALCON HOCKEY MEDIA GUIDE