Aldrich Arena

[DaggerzReady34]

I have not heard, but I agree with you. I tried to go to the HM-Stillwater game last year, only to find they presold all the tickets. Living in the SW metro, its not like its easy for me to drive all the way over there the day before the game just to buy a ticket so I can drive back the next day.

So I live south of Lakeville some and am wanting to attend the game Friday night.... are you saying I need to probably buy tickets before Friday to get in the arena? where can I buy them? if I do end up buying tickets before Friday what time do you suggest I get to the arena to ensure I get a seat?? never been to a section final here, only heard that its a great time... any info would be greatly appreciated guys.

Ticket sale info 9AM to 2PM on Thursday and beginning at 3PM on Friday at Aldrich box office.

thanks man.. I'm guessing tm from 9 to 2 and its at Aldrich they are selling or at the schools?

[pioneers]

So I live south of Lakeville some and am wanting to attend the game Friday night.... are you saying I need to probably buy tickets before Friday to get in the arena? where can I buy them? if I do end up buying tickets before Friday what time do you suggest I get to the arena to ensure I get a seat?? never been to a section final here, only heard that its a great time... any info would be greatly appreciated guys.

Ticket sale info 9AM to 2PM on Thursday and beginning at 3PM on Friday at Aldrich box office.

thanks man.. I'm guessing tm from 9 to 2 and its at Aldrich they are selling or at the schools?

At Aldrich

[East Side Pioneer Guy]

That arena is in terrible need of renovating. They need a big addition to the lobby/entrance. Ridiculous that people have to lineup outside before the doors open. Also who is the jackass that decided chainlink fence on the ends of the arena would be pleasant to view the ice thru? SMH

Heh heh. You young whipper snappers. Get off my lawn!

The jackass who decided to use chain link fence is likely dead and badly decomposed. When Aldrich was built, I'd wager there was chain link around the rink, and not plexiglass.

[East Side Pioneer Guy]

I was at one of the 4A games there last week, and there were signs stating you could buy 4AA tickets in advance, if that helps anybody out.

And as far as I'm concerned, Aldrich is still the best rink in town to watch a game (despite the fact that that green team shoved everybody out). The only thing it needs is a fresh coat of paint. Whatever eggnog looking crap they splattered on the walls there ain't working. Maybe some pine paneling...

Fact check:

Everyone else left. White Bear decided to build an arena with lousy sight lines. North used to play there, but their crowds don't justify it any more. Tartan built an arena. Stillwater and Mahtomedi got their own shed. Most of the city schools no longer have teams.

If Hill weren't there, I doubt the county would keep it open.

[Sparlimb]

I was at one of the 4A games there last week, and there were signs stating you could buy 4AA tickets in advance, if that helps anybody out.

And as far as I'm concerned, Aldrich is still the best rink in town to watch a game (despite the fact that that green team shoved everybody out). The only thing it needs is a fresh coat of paint. Whatever eggnog looking crap they splattered on the walls there ain't working. Maybe some pine paneling...

Fact check:

Everyone else left. White Bear decided to build an arena with lousy sight lines. North used to play there, but their crowds don't justify it any more. Tartan built an arena. Stillwater and Mahtomedi got their own shed. Most of the city schools no longer have teams.

If Hill weren't there, I doubt the county would keep it open.

At least WBL decided to build an arena that would pay for itself and make the city money...

[bauerman]

I would love it if STA played sections at Aldrich instead of Ridder, but I repeat my question asked on a different thread , Is HM the only school in the state that gets to play their sections in their home rink? maybe there are others and this is not an unusual advantage ,but I don't know of others

[Sparlimb]

I would love it if STA played sections at Aldrich instead of Ridder, but I repeat my question asked on a different thread , Is HM the only school in the state that gets to play their sections in their home rink? maybe there are others and this is not an unusual advantage ,but I don't know of others

Funny that you ask that question...

[East Side Pioneer Guy]

I was at one of the 4A games there last week, and there were signs stating you could buy 4AA tickets in advance, if that helps anybody out.

And as far as I'm concerned, Aldrich is still the best rink in town to watch a game (despite the fact that that green team shoved everybody out). The only thing it needs is a fresh coat of paint. Whatever eggnog looking crap they splattered on the walls there ain't working. Maybe some pine paneling...

Fact check:

Everyone else left. White Bear decided to build an arena with lousy sight lines. North used to play there, but their crowds don't justify it any more. Tartan built an arena. Stillwater and Mahtomedi got their own shed. Most of the city schools no longer have teams.

If Hill weren't there, I doubt the county would keep it open.

At least WBL decided to build an arena that would pay for itself and make the city money...

And where else is liquor served in such close proximity to youth athletics?

[nu2hockey]

Fogerty...

[Sparlimb]

Fact check:

Everyone else left. White Bear decided to build an arena with lousy sight lines. North used to play there, but their crowds don't justify it any more. Tartan built an arena. Stillwater and Mahtomedi got their own shed. Most of the city schools no longer have teams.

If Hill weren't there, I doubt the county would keep it open.

At least WBL decided to build an arena that would pay for itself and make the city money...

And where else is liquor served in such close proximity to youth athletics?

Why up in Blaine, which I've taken advantage of before. That all said, I have a fondness for Aldrich which won't die.

[inthetwine]

I was at one of the 4A games there last week, and there were signs stating you could buy 4AA tickets in advance, if that helps anybody out.

And as far as I'm concerned, Aldrich is still the best rink in town to watch a game (despite the fact that that green team shoved everybody out). The only thing it needs is a fresh coat of paint. Whatever eggnog looking crap they splattered on the walls there ain't working. Maybe some pine paneling...

Fact check:

Everyone else left. White Bear decided to build an arena with lousy sight lines. North used to play there, but their crowds don't justify it any more. Tartan built an arena. Stillwater and Mahtomedi got their own shed. Most of the city schools no longer have teams.

If Hill weren't there, I doubt the county would keep it open.

White Bear did not build an arena, it was built by the city of Vadnias Hights, and now bought by the county. It is a horrible arena, and the hockey high school is building next door, and wants more of the ice time. White Bear may be back at Aldrich in the next year or 2. Old as it is, Aldrich is still the best High School arena around, hosting more than 100 games a year. (This is according to their website)

[HappyHockeyFan]

It might a good high school venue but its not good for section playoffs, move 4/5 sections to Mariucci on a Friday night and it will get packed I promise.

[Sparlimb]

It might a good high school venue but its not good for section playoffs, move 4/5 sections to Mariucci on a Friday night and it will get packed I promise.

While I won't go to a section final while at Aldrich (past the age I like to wait an hour to get a seat), pretty sure they wouldn't fill Mariucci. I've been to ever section 2/6 final for the past 8 or 9 years and I can remember it full one time (Leddy for EP was a senior). This year it was maybe a third full for either game and a little over half full in the 3rd period of the first game as the 2nd game fans started showing up.

[wogggieee]

Ridder would be no better. It's further for most teams involved. Parking is a hassle and not free and the capacity is no better. Mariucci has the same issues except capacity but then add the Olympic ice and trying to schedule with the other sections that play there and possibly getting less than optimal game times.

[East Side Pioneer Guy]

Aldrich is a fine arena, as good as it has ever been. What are you guys looking for? Some sky boxes? A restaurant? It's older than me, and it's held up well. If you don't like Aldrich you probably think Breamar sucks too. It's a fair question as to whether it is desirable for AA finals, but there is no other obviously better place.

As for the Woofies' arena, I was there maybe 10 years back for some section finals. It was a horrendous atmosphere. Unbelievably bad.

I'd question that 100 games per year at Aldrich. As far as varsity hockey, it's home to H-M boys and girls home games, so that's about 22. Add in some section games, maybe 15 - 20? I don't see 100 games for HS varsity. They must be including JV and maybe junior games? Back in the day there would be two City Conference games on Wednesday, two St. Paul Suburban Conference (whoa, I'm really dating myself now) games on Thursday, and between Saturday afternoon and evening there would be 4 more games between those two conferences.

[Doc Holliday]

Aldrich is a fine arena, as good as it has ever been. What are you guys looking for? Some sky boxes? A restaurant? It's older than me, and it's held up well. If you don't like Aldrich you probably think Breamar sucks too. It's a fair question as to whether it is desirable for AA finals, but there is no other obviously better place.

I don't think anyone is really questioning Aldrich & it's quality as an arena. But if people can't get tickets hours before a game, clearly the demand exceeds the supply. I think the argument for Ridder over Aldrich is more about a non-home site, but they may end up having the same problem. I'd say Braemar isn't a suitable site for a AA cities section final either. I think a double header with 5AA at Mariucci is probably the only suitable option if they move it from Aldrich.

This year it was maybe a third full for either game and a little over half full in the 3rd period of the first game as the 2nd game fans started showing up.

If you think it was only a little over half full in the 3rd period of the EP-HF game, then you either need to get your eyes checked or counting lessons.

[East Side Pioneer Guy]

There is just no venue for AA finals that stands out head and shoulders above the rest. All of the options have draw backs.

One thought on Mariucci, the arena that teams love to play at the first week of March but hate to play at the second weekend of March. I really think it's BS they don't let the high schools use it for Friday night. The public paid for part of it, and the mens golden rats have benefited form a robust HS hockey program over the years. For one weekend a season, they can make sure they are on the road, or play Saturday & Sunday evenings. They alter their schedule for home football games, so it's not unprecedented.

Ziggy was forced to accept permanent alterations to his palace to accommodate the golden rats baseball team. Part of the justification for that was that the public put in hundreds of millions of dollars. They were also forced to accept the Prep Bowl, which I doubt they make money on. It's a loss leader, and that's fine given the subsidy they get.

So if the UM can force their way into the Taj Mah Ziggy, The UM can make room for a couple HS games on one Friday night a year. A savoy state legislator could raise a little hell about this if it were necessary.

[The51]

Aldrich is a fine arena, as good as it has ever been. What are you guys looking for? Some sky boxes? A restaurant? It's older than me, and it's held up well. If you don't like Aldrich you probably think Breamar sucks too. It's a fair question as to whether it is desirable for AA finals, but there is no other obviously better place.

I don't think anyone is really questioning Aldrich & it's quality as an arena. But if people can't get tickets hours before a game, clearly the demand exceeds the supply. I think the argument for Ridder over Aldrich is more about a non-home site, but they may end up having the same problem. I'd say Braemar isn't a suitable site for a AA cities section final either. I think a double header with 5AA at Mariucci is probably the only suitable option if they move it from Aldrich.

This year it was maybe a third full for either game and a little over half full in the 3rd period of the first game as the 2nd game fans started showing up.

If you think it was only a little over half full in the 3rd period of the EP-HF game, then you either need to get your eyes checked or counting lessons.

Absolutely was more than slightly over half full when the second game's crowd starting piling in.

The perfect solution is to have the games on Friday/Saturday 2AA/6AA on one of the nights and 4AA/5AA on the other. I find it hard to believe they couldn't work something out with the Gophers to make sure they were away that weekend. Having the games on the weekend would go a long way to bringing back the crowds of the 2008/2009 era

[The51]

There is just no venue for AA finals that stands out head and shoulders above the rest. All of the options have draw backs.

One thought on Mariucci, the arena that teams love to play at the first week of March but hate to play at the second weekend of March. I really think it's BS they don't let the high schools use it for Friday night. The public paid for part of it, and the mens golden rats have benefited form a robust HS hockey program over the years. For one weekend a season, they can make sure they are on the road, or play Saturday & Sunday evenings. They alter their schedule for home football games, so it's not unprecedented.

Ziggy was forced to accept permanent alterations to his palace to accommodate the golden rats baseball team. Part of the justification for that was that the public put in hundreds of millions of dollars. They were also forced to accept the Prep Bowl, which I doubt they make money on. It's a loss leader, and that's fine given the subsidy they get.

So if the UM can force their way into the Taj Mah Ziggy, The UM can make room for a couple HS games on one Friday night a year. A savoy state legislator could raise a little hell about this if it were necessary.

Sorry PioneerGuy, I started my reply before seeing yours but I wholeheartedly agree. They need to make this happen. That place would be packed for these games on that weekend

[WarmUpTheBus]

I have not heard, but I agree with you. I tried to go to the HM-Stillwater game last year, only to find they presold all the tickets. Living in the SW metro, its not like its easy for me to drive all the way over there the day before the game just to buy a ticket so I can drive back the next day.

So I live south of Lakeville some and am wanting to attend the game Friday night.... are you saying I need to probably buy tickets before Friday to get in the arena? where can I buy them? if I do end up buying tickets before Friday what time do you suggest I get to the arena to ensure I get a seat?? never been to a section final here, only heard that its a great time... any info would be greatly appreciated guys.

Ticket sale info 9AM to 2PM on Thursday and beginning at 3PM on Friday at Aldrich box office.

Just a heads up. Last year I got to the arena at 6:00pm and there was a line of people halfway around the building waiting to get in. This was the line of people who already had tickets and were waiting for the doors to open. Some people got in line thinking it was the line to buy tickets and were disappointed when they found out it was a sellout.

[TheMNhockey1]

Tickets already sold out

[East Side Pioneer Guy]

Tickets already sold out

Good, I got one I need to sell. $8 for someone in green, $20 for red. And I'm serious.

[chief22]

Nothing was better than a Friday night double-header at the Coliseum (5AA at 6PM and 4AA at 9PM). If they can put refrigeration in for an outdoor game in Stillwater, how expensive could it be to put it in the Coliseum!

Just my two cents.

agreed...fix it and go back to the coliseum.

[ryguyMN]

Got to the arena at 6:15 pm and saw the marquee flash "SOLD OUT", so I didn't even bother.

KFAN has Zach Halverson and Kevin Gorg on the call.

[goldy313]

The state has given millions of dollars to Rochester, Mankato, Duluth, St. Cloud, etc for convention centers.....which also hold high school sports. They should renovate the Coliseum making it a ~4000 or so seat arena capable of hosting both hockey and basketball tournaments (the metro is also lacking in facilities for boys basketball sections).