There have been people who have gone to the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center for college hockey games in recent years and complained about the sound system.
The sound should be improved and the video scoreboards will be replaced thanks to gifts totaling $1.3 million, St. Cloud State University announced in a news release. The improvements should be in place for the 2022-23 season.
"Our fans will notice these upgrades immediately and the experience will mirror what they have grown accustomed to in other venues," SCSU director of athletics Heather Weems said in the news release. "The improvements mark the third significant capital investment in the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center over the last decade, which, along with the major expansion and modernization in 2013 and the addition of the strength and conditioning center in 2019, positions our men's and women's programs for future success."
There has also been a leadership gift of $500,000 from Foundation 94, which was established by Henry and Angelena Blattner. That gift will provide ongoing operating support for hockey, including the funding for a strength and conditioning coach and support of student-athlete mental health and leadership programming.
"Henry and Angel believe in our program and its importance to our fans in Central Minnesota and beyond," SCSU head men's hockey coach Brett Larson said in the news release. "Their gift ensures we remain a perennial top 10 program as we relentlessly pursue a national title."
ADVERTISEMENT
"Huskies hockey is a wonderful brand ambassador for St. Cloud State and extends our regional reach in powerful ways," SCSU president Robbyn Wacker said in the news release. "I'm so happy we're able to give our fans and our student-athletes this gift and am so grateful to Foundation 94 and Henry and Angelena and to all whose gifts have made this possible."
The Brooks Center opened in December 1989. The 2013 renovation included adding 14 suites, an atrium, improvements to the athletic training operations, new player lounges, shower facilities and locker rooms.
"These improvements to The Herb were envisioned a decade ago, which made them an institutional priority in our Unleash the Future campaign for St. Cloud State," SCSU vice president of university advancement Matt Andrew said in the news release. "We're very honored by the generosity of our boosters."
Unleash the Future: The Campaign for St. Cloud State University has raised more than $37 million and is projected to close on Dec. 31. For information, visit unleashthefuture.stcloudstate.edu .
The Trust Project
