Merlis Belsher Place

Merlis Belsher Place is an arena located at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. It is the current home of the University of Saskatchewan Huskies men and women's hockey teams, as well as the Saskatoon Contacts and Saskatoon Stars of the Saskatoon Minor Hockey Association.[1]

Merlis Belsher Place
Location100 Fieldhouse Road University of Saskatchewan,
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
 Canada
Coordinates52.126190°N 106.626686°W / 52.126190; -106.626686
OwnerUniversity of Saskatchewan
CapacityIce hockey: 2,700
Construction
Broke ground2017
Opened2018
Construction costC$51 million
Tenants
Saskatchewan Huskies (U Sports)
Saskatoon Contacts (SMHA)
Saskatoon Stars (SMHA)

History

In 2016, the University of Saskatchewan announced plans to build a new athletics facility to replace the 90 year-old Rutherford Arena. Originally budgeted to cost $41 million, the University sought to raise the necessary funds through its Home Ice Campaign, which sought donations and fundraising opportunities from alumni, minor hockey associations, and the City of Saskatoon. The arena was named in honour of Merlis Belsher, an alumnus of the University's College of Law, following a donation of $12.25 million to the Campaign.[2]

Construction on the facility officially began on April 28, 2017 with a ground-breaking ceremony.[3] The arena was completed in time for the beginning of the 2018-19 Huskies season, with the women's team hosting the first game in the arena's history on October 5, 2018.[4]

Facilities

Merlis Belsher Place was designed to replace several aging facilities at the University of Saskatchewan. As part of an agreement with the City of Saskatoon, Merlis Belsher Place features two NHL-sized ice surfaces which can be utilized year round and will provide an added 1,500 hours of icetime for minor hockey in the City.[5] The facility also features two NBA-sized basketball courts which will be used as practice space for the University's basketball teams, as well as team rooms for the University's soccer teams and numerous change rooms that are meant to be used by community groups.[6] The basketball courts are named in honour of Ron and Jane Graham, who contributed $4 million to ensure their inclusion in the new arena.[7]

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References
  1. "Saskatoon Stars and Contacts moving to Merlis Belsher Place". Global News. Global News. June 27, 2018. Retrieved November 22, 2018.
  2. "University of Saskatchewan announces plan for new $41-million rink". CTV Saskatoon. CTV Saskatoon. October 13, 2016. Retrieved November 22, 2018.
  3. "Merlis Belsher Place groundbreaking ceremony held at University of Saskatchewan". Global News. Global News. April 28, 2017. Retrieved November 22, 2018.
  4. "WHKY: Huskies shutout Pandas, open Merlis Belsher Place in style". Canada West. October 5, 2018. Retrieved November 22, 2018.
  5. "City boosts support for Home Ice Campaign". Retrieved 2018-11-22.
  6. "About Us". Retrieved 2018-11-22.
  7. "Merlis Belsher Place construction hits halfway mark". Retrieved 2018-11-22.


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