Lakeville Arenas reports rising usage and revenue, submits 2026 budget to school board
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Summary
Joe Bergquist of Lakeville Arenas presented an annual report and the 2026 proposed budget, saying usage has grown across programs since COVID and that arena revenue has roughly doubled as the organization expands programming and facilities partnerships.
Joe Bergquist, representing Lakeville Arenas, told the School Board on June 10 that arena operations have expanded since the pandemic and submitted the arenas' 2026 budget for board review.
"We are a joint powers agreement between the city and the school district," Bergquist said, describing the arenas' operating model and partnerships. He said the arenas have not required operating subsidies from the city or district since its 2007 inception, though debt service is shared.
Bergquist summarized usage and finances: youth hockey accounts for about 31% of ice time, rentals roughly 25%, public open skate about 20%, high school usage about 12% and figure skating the remainder. He said learn‑to‑skate programs are among the state's top programs, and the arenas have expanded internal camps, mite leagues and year‑round ice use. "Every area of the arenas has grown ... this year, at the end of this year, we will have doubled revenue since COVID," he said.
The arenas have used partner contributions and naming rights to fund capital items: a local partner contributed $1.5 million toward the Pavilion Rink and paid $85,000 toward related debt; other partners purchased scoreboards and training facilities. Bergquist said next year the arenas will host an international youth tournament tied to the Twin Cities World Juniors, giving Lakeville two divisions.
Board members praised tight operating practices and asked about revenue sustainability as arenas move from largely part‑time staffing to more full‑time employees. Bergquist said year‑round sheet use and new pavilion events (graduations, concerts, pickleball, camps) will sustain growth and that the board will vote to approve the arenas' budget at the next meeting.
Why this matters: The arenas are a district partner whose use of school facilities and shared debt service affect the district's capital planning and community offerings. Arena revenue growth and expanding community programming may change scheduling, maintenance demands and shared capital responsibilities.
Sources and attribution: Report and program details from Joe Bergquist's presentation and board Q&A, June 10 Lakeville School Board meeting.
