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soccer team. In addition to the hock- ey program and its amenities, Midco includes the offices of AU's athletics administrators, athletic trainers, and hockey, track and field, soccer, and strength and conditioning coaches. "We were able to build a facility that met the needs of an entire athletics department before hockey was even an idea," said Morton. A ll student-athletes can enjoy a t wo- level weight room with turf and 14 racks of weights for conditioning and agilit y training. For spectators—a seating capacity of approximately 3,082—Midco Arena does not disappoint. There are 12 luxury suites and JJ's Vikings Club with 370 bowl seats and a private bar, restroom and social area. Throughout the concourse, August- ana's athletics history is celebrated, and an homage to the university's Vikings mascot is complete with a for-display- only gjallarhorn. The arena is complete with modern ele- ments throughout, including touch screens and windows welcoming natural light. "It was incredible to see it literally come life from concept to design to an opening hockey game," said Morton. "It was remark- able. It lived up to the expectations." Opening Night The real excitement was highlight- ed on Jan. 26, with Augustana and visiting Ferris State christening Midco Arena in front of a packed house. The Vikings had played the first five home games of their inaugural 2023–24 season off campus at Denny Sanford Premier Center. "THERE WAS A TON OF EXCITEMENT FROM THE BEGINNING, NOT JUST FOR THE MEN'S HOCKEY PROGRAM. THE EXCITEMENT RAN DEEPER THAN THAT, BOTH ON CAMPUS AND THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY OF SIOUX FALLS." USICERINKS.COM MARCH.APRIL.2024 / 21 p OPENING NIGHT: Augustana faced Ferris State in front of a sold out crowd on Jan. 26, 2024.