SMSC Ice Arena

Project Team

Structural Engineer: Clark Engineering Corporation
Owner: Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community
Architect: HTG Architects
General Contractor: Shingobee Builders, Inc.
Steel Joist Manufacturer: Nucor Vulcraft
Steel Detailer: American Structural Metals
Steel Fabricator: American Structural Metals
Steel Erector: KMH Erectors

Project Type: Unique Application

Project Description

The project’s owner, the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC), wished to add an additional ice arena to the community’s existing sport and fitness facility. As part of SMSC’s strong connection to the earth and because it is the right thing to do, the client wanted to install a green roof on the project to control the flow and improve the quality of storm water. In addition, skylights were integrated into the roofing system to allow natural light into the arena during both peak and off-peak usage. The 63, 223 square foot facility sits in the heart of the SMSC community, adjacent to the 214,000 square foot Dakotah! Sport & Fitness facility and is also connected to the community’s Playworks educare and event facility. The new construction integrates multiple sustainable initiatives in addition to the green roof and serves as a learning tool for the community and their members.

What Makes This Project Interesting

What makes this project interesting: From a structural standpoint, the project stands out as unique due to its two-piece, bottom-bearing, long span joist system designed with a camber which provides a good slope for equal roof drainage. Other interesting aspects include the integration of support-less radius glass on the dasher boards (only second in the country to be installed), as well as seating for up to 1,000 people surrounding the National Hockey League-sized ice sheet which features heated concrete under the bleachers provided by waste heat from the ice making equipment.

Advantages Of The Chosen Structural System

What were the advantages of the chosen structural system? The structural system was chosen because of the speed and ease of installation as well as the economical aspects. The system also allowed for the weight of the heavy mechanical systems placed on the roof and integration of a skylight system (without significant extra framing or inconvenience) which provides valuable daylighting for the interior space.

Project Scope

What was the scope of this project? Related to the structural system, the scope included providing long span joists allowing a column-free span over the sheet of ice and stadium-style seating. The installed joists span approximately 125 feet and support a 6” extension green roof. The 32,648 square foot green roof is the largest of its kind in the upper Midwest. With a combination of sedum, pumice, ground coconut husks and pine bark, the roof’s design protects itself from ultraviolet radiation, significantly extending the life of the roof.

Project Details

Joist cost, including fabrication and erection: $515,450
Size (square ft.): 63,223
Roof area using joists (square ft.): 40,600
Joist area (square ft.): 40,600
Joist engineering to delivery (# days): 141 days
Joist erection (# days): 17 days

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