Bloomington Ice Garden | Bloomington

The Bloomington Ice Garden is an indoor ice arena located in Bloomington, Minnesota, USA.

It serves as a multi-purpose facility for ice sports and community events.

Visual Characteristics

The structure is a single-story building with a predominantly brick facade. The roofline is a low-pitched gable. The primary color of the exterior is a muted red brick, with white trim around windows and doors. The building's footprint is rectangular, with an approximate area of 60,000 square feet.

Location & Access Logistics

The Bloomington Ice Garden is situated at 3600 West 98th Street, Bloomington, MN 55431. It is approximately 10 miles southwest of downtown Minneapolis. Access is via Interstate 494, exiting at Normandale Boulevard (Exit 2B). Turn north on Normandale Boulevard, then west on 98th Street. A dedicated parking lot with approximately 200 spaces is available on-site. Public transport options include Metro Transit bus route 515, which stops directly in front of the facility.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the Bloomington Ice Garden was completed in 1975. It was designed by the architectural firm Hammel, Green & Abrahamson (HGA). The original purpose was to provide dedicated indoor ice facilities for the growing community and local hockey programs.

Key Highlights & Activities

The facility houses two NHL-sized ice rinks (Rink 1: 200' x 85', Rink 2: 200' x 85'). Public skating sessions are scheduled daily. Figure skating lessons and hockey leagues operate year-round. The arena can be configured for non-ice events, such as trade shows and concerts.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on both levels. Limited shaded areas are present in the outdoor concourse. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally reliable within the building. No on-site food vendors are present, but several fast-food restaurants are located within a 0.5km radius.

Best Time to Visit

For public skating, weekday mornings and early afternoons typically have lower attendance. Evening and weekend sessions are more populated due to league play and scheduled events. The facility operates year-round, so weather is not a primary consideration for access.

Facts & Legends

The Bloomington Ice Garden has hosted numerous Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament games. A local anecdote suggests that the Zamboni driver, a long-time employee, can predict the weather based on the ice conditions.

Nearby Landmarks

• 98th Street Commons (0.2km East)
• Normandale Park (0.8km North)
• Southtown Center (1.5km Southeast)
• Centennial Lakes Park (2.1km Northeast)
• Mall of America (3.5km East)