| Class of 1923 Arena | |
|---|---|
| Penn Ice Rink | |
| Location | University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA |
| Broke ground | 1968 |
| Opened | 1972 |
| Owner | University of Pennsylvania |
| Operator | University of Pennsylvania Business Services |
| Surface | Ice 85 ft (26 m) x 200 ft (61 m) |
| Architect | Robert C. Mcmillian Associates |
| Capacity | 2,900 (hockey) |
| Tenants | |
| University of Pennsylvania Quakers | |
The Class of 1923 Arena is the skating rink of the University of Pennsylvania.
In 1968, alumni from the Class of 1923 formed the group "Friends of Pennsylvania Hockey," led by Howard Butcher, III. Butcher donated over 3 million dollars for the creation of the facility, along with John Cleveland and Bill R. Wise, Butcher organized the largest class donation in the history of the university. Thus, the arena was aptly named after the class to commemorate its generosity.
The arena is located on the southern part of the campus close to Center City and can seat nearly 3,000 people. The building, designed by Robert C. McMillian Associates, was constructed primarily of poured concrete and is supported by four 22-foot concrete columns. The lower concourse includes locker rooms for the university's teams, food services, and the "Quaker Room", which overlooks the rink. The ice surface itself is 85'x 200' and totals 18,000 square feet (1,700 m2). The upper concourse includes restrooms and more concession stands with entrances on Walnut Street. The arena remains the largest collegiate venue in Pennsylvania.
The arena has hosted a variety of teams: Penn Varsity and Club ice hockey, Drexel ice hockey club, Villanova and St Joseph's ice hockey, Philadelphia Flyers, even Philadelphia Bulldogs professional roller hockey.
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