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Edina unveils $45.2 million Bramar Arena expansion concept with fourth rink and upgraded refrigeration
Summary
Parks staff presented a schematic concept to add an enclosed fourth ice sheet, improve lobby circulation and replace refrigeration systems; staff said the core concept fits a $45.2M local‑option sales‑tax funding package and will use a construction‑manager‑at‑risk delivery model.
City parks officials presented a detailed concept for a multi‑phase Bramar Arena (Breamar/Bremar) reinvestment project that would add a fourth enclosed ice sheet, expand and reconfigure the lobby, and modernize refrigeration and building systems.
Director Perry Veter walked the council through site circulation changes, upgrades to make arena areas ADA‑compliant, and a refrigeration approach that divides ice plant service to provide redundancy for four sheets. Staff said the project’s “core concept” fits within a previously approved local option sales‑tax package totaling $45.2 million and recommended using a construction‑manager‑at‑risk (CMAR) delivery method to control costs and reduce change‑order risk.
Veter also outlined energy‑efficiency constraints for ice arenas, noting LEED targets are harder to meet for rinks because 'daylighting' and certain transit‑density points are limited. He said staff is exploring phased work so no sheets are taken offline during the peak season and is considering naming rights or sponsorships to help fund optional add‑ons.
Council members thanked staff for stakeholder engagement and asked for continued detail about accessibility improvements, schedule, and how the project will be staged to preserve ice availability. Staff said schematic design is moving into design development and that some fieldwork (refrigeration and floor work) could begin in the next off‑season to limit disruptions.
No final funding appropriation or construction authorization was adopted; staff will return with refined scope, budget packages and schedule.
