This is a fantastic arena, one of the finest in Minnesota. It has three (3) sheets of ice; the main event is a spectacular classic arena, one newer rink in a rectangular addition, and a covered outdoor ice sheet. IRA is the Itasca Recreation Association, a civic group started many years ago to build an arena to support youth hockey. The locals have done a great job! You are greeted with boozhoo, a welcome greeting in Ojibwe and enter a large common area with access to both rinks, bench and booth seating, banners of local hockey heros and concessions. The main arena is a gem. Wooden beams, championship banners, seating on four sides with one end viewing from heated second floor lobby and large posters of local kids who played college, NHL and Olympic hockey. If this rink does not impress you, nothing much will. Rink two is a standard second rink in a rectangle building likely also used for non-hockey events, trade shows and conferences. It's heated for fans and has much smaller bleachers than rink one. Rink three is the covered outside rink. This is a real beauty. Stands, fresh air, wind and sunshine, access to indoor arena, lockers and other arena amenities. I wish MN had more of this covered yet open ice. For the hockey fan, this building is packed with trophies, some really old, and also a lot of great history. Not just the posters of NHLers from GR, but history of the arena, and those who built this monument to youth activities. read more

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