Minnesota Hockey Journal

A non-complex facility, the single sheet measures 180 feet by 66 feet—perfect for public open skates, learn-to-skate programs, mite practices, scrimmages and games. In its origins, the floor at the Hippodrome was dirt—which Carter said left noticeable dark spots on the ice each season—until 1991, when artificial ice was added on top of a sand base. The floor eventually became concrete in 2011. Three years later came more upgrades with the addition of the Zamboni garage— something previously not needed on the dirt foundation, when teams would have to shov- el after games and practices. The new millennium brought various inte- rior renovations, including the replacement of chicken wire with glass and upgrades to boards and benches. CLASSIC CHARM While the renovations pushed the Hippodrome toward a more current facility, plenty of history still remains. There's still an absence of locker rooms, where players either arrive fully ready or put on their pads and gear in the large open lobby. And there's the ceiling—an aesthetic that is key to every good barn. "It's still the original wood ceiling with the block walls on the outside," said Jon A n d e r s o n , a n o t h e r White Bear Lake alum who found a home as rink manager of the Hippodrome out of col- lege. " We've had people who wanted to insulate it, but I put up a fight because I didn't want to lose that. It's what gives it that look and feel of one of the classics." Anderson, who also played hockey for the University of Minnesota from 1986–90, officially retired as general manager of the Hippodrome last summer—kind of. "It has a way of always bringing me back in," he said with a laugh. "It's just such a staple in this community for anyone who has ever put on a pair of skates in White Bear." $2 PUBLIC SKATES The affordability of skating at the Hippodrome is also what keeps it a marker for families dabbling in hockey. The White Bear Lake Youth Hockey Association and men's adult leagues rent it frequently in-sea- son, but the weekend public skates have not lost their charm. Just two bucks will get you into one of the two offered sessions—either Saturday night or Sunday afternoon—both usually under strobe lights. And if you forget your $2, well, that's all right, too. "Two dollars isn't going to make or break us, so if you don't have the money but want to skate around, we'll usually let it slide," Anderson said. "We just try to keep it as affordable as we can so everybody can enjoy it—all abilities and all interests. We just want to keep it a place kids in the community can come hang out." White Bear Lake residents believe the Hipp will be a community hub for the next 100 years. "It's old, and it's got its smells and every- thing else, but this community is so fortu- nate to have had this for so long," Anderson said. "Is there anything more Minnesotan than the Hipp?" M H J ON L I N E . C O M | MARCH 2 0 2 6 26 Youth hockey, adult leagues and $2 public skates fill The Hipp all season long. IT HAS A WAY OF ALWAYS BRINGING ME BACK IN. It's just such a staple in this community for anyone who has ever put on a pair of skates in White Bear." – Jon Anderson, Former Gopher and Semi-Retired Rink Manager Photos / Brennan Schachtner Photography

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