Ralph Engelstad Arena, North Dakota, United States

5Juan R 5:00 PM Nov 15, 2011

Some misconceptions
First, the REA is the best hockey arena in the world. That having been said, there have always been some false ideas which are believed because they've been repeated so much for so long. The REA is NOT a gift to UND, nor does UND own it. It is owned and run by a private corporation, which makes all the profit off the sales of concessions and apparel. It was not built for UND, but rather for the aggrandizement of the guy who built it and whose name it carries. In fact, UND pays a large amount of money to play hockey there.

5jahoduluth 5:00 PM Nov 7, 2010

The premier hockey arena--anywhere
My wife and I recently attended the University of Minnesota Duluth - University of North Dakota hockey game at Ralph Engelstad Arena in Grand Forks. Even though I've been a UMD fan since I was a kid, I've also had a fondness for the University of North Dakota program and have wanted to see the arena since it opened in 2001. Despite UMD coming up a little short to North Dakota the night we were there, it was still a memorable experience and is highly recommended for any hockey fan. I've been to the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, which many say is the best NHL rink, and Ralph Engelstad Arena has "The X" beat. The furnishings and amenities in the arena are second to none. The staff were all friendly and, even though we were fans of the opponent, still treated us with the same dignity, respect, and hospitality as the locals. Concessions selections are outstanding and have just about everything, though you will pay a premium for them. I was disappointed that alcohol was available for sale throughout...though I know we're a distinct minority among hockey fans in that regard. The parking, which I had anticipated might be tight, ended up being very easy as we arrived about an hour and twenty minutes before face-off. We parked in the Wellness Center lot, a paved parking lot that charged $10. It seems high--yet it is comparable to what we've paid in downtown Minneapolis or St. Paul for Twins games or hockey at Xcel Energy Center. The traffic on nearby streets is set up for contra-flow after the game, which with the help of local police directing traffic made for an exceptionally efficient exit afterwards. If you're a hockey fan and can make it to Grand Forks to see Ralph Engelstad Arena, it will be well worth it. It's hockey's equivalent to Lambeau Field in football or Wrigley Field or Fenway Park in baseball. It is in a class by itself, and it was immediately obvious that all of the North Dakota fans hold dear to them. It was easy to see why.