University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Merlis Belsher Place is a twin-ice, multi-sport facility located on the University of Saskatchewan campus in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The state-of-the-art multi-sport facility is the new home of the University of Saskatchewan Huskie hockey, basketball, soccer, and campus leagues as well as the Midget AAA Contacts and Midget AAA Stars of the Saskatoon Minor Hockey Association.
The sports facility features two ice rinks that are designed for year-round use. The Main Spectator Rink is a hybrid dimension (200’ x 90’) that is 5’ wider than a standard NHL rink (200’ x 85’). The spectator rink has a seating capacity of 2,700 with the ability for future expansion to 3,200 spectators and can also be used for concerts, community events, and other spectator events. The main spectator rink features the Huskie men’s and women’s hockey team dressing rooms, team facilities as well as the Huskie men’s and women’s soccer team rooms along with space designated for Campus Recreation. The Community Rink is a 200-seat NHL sized arena that houses dedicated dressing rooms for the Saskatoon Contacts and Saskatoon Stars midget AAA teams as well as 12 additional spacious dressing rooms for minor hockey and campus recreation teams.
The large two-storey glazed lobby is the focal point of the building, featuring a central reception area, a pro shop, concession, and a double gymnasium with twin NBA-sized basketball courts and men’s and women’s team dressing rooms. The upper level includes administration, a sport science and health centre with a high performance research lab, box office, concession and a large lounge with views into the main spectator rink.
In association with Architecture49.