Yost Ice Arena (6,603 capacity) is recognized as one of the premier hockey venues in the nation and one of the toughest places for visiting teams to play. Construction of Yost Field House began in 1922, and by its completion in November 1923 became the nation's first Field House. It is named in honor of Michigan's legendary football coach and athletic director, Fielding H. Yost.
Before it became Yost Ice Arena in 1973, the building was known as Yost Field House and was the home base of Michigan varsity sports, including the great track teams of the 1950's and the Cazzie Russell-led basketball teams of the mid-1960's. It also served as practice facility for many of U-M's athletic teams, including football, baseball, and basketball. From 1973 until the present, Yost Ice Arena has been the home to the University of Michigan hockey team as well as home to area high school hockey teams, recreational leagues, the University's intramural hockey/broomball leagues and a variety of other community and university ice programs.
In the summer of 1996, Yost Ice Arena underwent a $5.5 million renovation which included first floor remodeling, north end seating, new Michigan hockey lockerroom and training facilities, second floor administrative offices and new press box facilities. These added renovations have made Yost Ice Arena a state-of-the-art facility while maintaining its historical integrity.
In the summer of 2001, Yost Ice Arena began another renovation which added a 294-seat club level balcony and lounge area, perched above the east side stands. Standing room only space was also expanded to put the total capacity at 6,603. The project cost $1.4 million and all proceeds will benefit the Michigan Hockey Scholarship Fund.
YOST ICE ARENA
The facility was named after Fielding H. Yost, the University of Michigan's
legendary football coach (1901-23, 1925-26) and athletic director (1921-41).
LOCATION
Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County, Michigan. Yost Ice Arena is located at
1116 S. State Street on the U-M Athletic Campus, just a few blocks south of
U-M's central campus and two miles north of I-94.
GROUNDBREAKING
January, 1922
DEDICATIONS
Yost Field House was dedicated on November 10, 1923.
Yost Ice Arena was dedicated on November 2, 1973.
That night, Michigan hockey defeated Waterloo Lutheran, 6-2.
SPECIFICATIONS
56,430 square feet (342 feet long x 165 feet wide)
SEATING CAPACITY
6,405 plus 198 standing room only tickets - total capacity of 6,603
HOCKEY ATTENDANCE RECORD
Prior to 1996 renovations: 8,411 vs. Michigan State on January 29, 1988
Since 1996 renovations: 6,986 vs. Michigan State on January 19, 2002
COST
$563,168 (original)
Renovations
Renovated in Summer 1992 ($1.2 million)
- Energy efficient refrigeration system
- Arena lighting, sound system, dasherboards topped with tempered glass
- Player, penalty, and scorer's area boxes
- Desiccant dehumidification system
Renovated in Summer 1996 ($5.5 million)
- Entire north end (locker rooms, offices, seating, elevator, concourse, restrooms)
- Utilities (water, gas, electric, HVAC, and north end lighting)
- Dual level press box (seating for 200)
- Full-time pro shop and concession stand
Renovated in Summer 2001 ($1.4 million)
- 294-seat club level balcony
- Club level lounge area
Seating Chart
ICE CHIPS
• Yost Ice Arena has two Zamboni Ice Resurfacers.
• The Zamboni Ice Resurfacer has an engine similar to any small automobile.
• Yost Ice Arena's temperature is about 18 to 20 F.
• There are 3 miles of refrigerant piping encased in concrete in the arena floor.
• Yost Ice Arena uses a subfloor heat system, typically used in ice arenas to
prevent the ground beneath the floor from freezing which prevents
bumpy, cracked concrete.