The Hermantown Arena has long been a cherished landmark, serving as a vibrant center of activity for the community. For over three decades, this iconic facility has provided a home for countless youth hockey leagues and teams, fostering a passion for the sport among generations of local athletes.

Beyond its role as a hockey haven, the arena has served as a gathering place for a diverse range of community members. From enthusiastic hockey fans to school district physical education classes, adult hockey leagues, broomball, fitness organizations, and hockey camp participants, the arena has welcomed all who seek to enjoy the sport or simply connect with their neighbors.

Due to its popularity, the demand for ice time in Hermantown has consistently outpaced the arena’s capacity. Recognizing the need for expansion, local voters in 2022 overwhelmingly approved a city sales tax increase to fund the transformation of the existing arena into the state-of-the-art NorthStar Ford Arena.
The expanded facility will boast two ice sheets, providing ample space for the growing number of teams and leagues. Additionally, the arena will feature modern team spaces, a cutting-edge ice operations center, and a 360˚ viewing mezzanine with walking track that is free to use and open to the public. Enhancing the gameday experience, the facility expansion will feature nearly 700 individual collegiate quality spectator seats, arranged in a top-loaded configuration, accessible through a spacious south-oriented lobby. This thoughtful design ensures that fans and families can enjoy a premium experience in comfort and style with minimal obstructions to viewing.

A key priority during the expansion was equitable access for all users. By placing all athletic amenities on ice level, including locker rooms, the arena has eliminated barriers, such as the need to navigate stairways in skating equipment.

A new pedestrian connection between the High School, Middle School, NorthStar Ford Arena, and YMCA at Essentia Wellness Center will create a unified campus and provide the Hermantown community with a central hub for athletics, education, and wellness.

The NorthStar Ford Arena will stand as a testament to the community’s commitment to providing exceptional recreational opportunities. It will be a place where athletes can thrive, fans can cheer, and the spirit of Hermantown can be celebrated.