Sage Rink on the Power Play: Historic Rink Undergoes Renovations
Recent renovations to this beloved venue – with more enhancements to come – promise to elevate the experience for Hamilton Hockey, their loyal fans, and the wider community, ensuring that Sage’s legacy lives on for its next century.
Since 2022, Hamilton has invested $13 million into a variety of projects to preserve the second-oldest college hockey barn in the country. Work completed in September included improvements to the building envelope and roof, several mechanical and HVAC system upgrades, a new ice and refrigeration system, and new state-of-the-art boards and glass.
“These enhancements create a more comfortable environment for players, coaches, and fans. The new ice-making equipment delivers a consistent and reliable playing surface, the new corners increase speed of play, while the taller glass reduces stoppage and makes the action clearer and more immersive for fans in every part of the rink.”
The full proposed plan for renovating Sage Rink includes four phases, the first of which was just completed. The College has raised the amount needed in commitments to move forward with the second phase of the project, which will include dedicated locker rooms for the men’s and women’s ice hockey programs, offices for coaches, and a conference room. Construction is set to begin next summer, following the design phase, with completion scheduled before the fall 2026 semester. This work will not impact the 2025-26 hockey season.
Future plans include additional seating with unobstructed views, a special guest box, a lobby addition, a new viewing gallery, an elevator, concessions, and restrooms. These updates are part of a broader vision to make Sage Rink an inviting and accessible venue, not only for Hamilton Hockey but also for supporters who have rallied around the Continentals for generations.
Sage Rink has been home to Hamilton hockey for more than a century. Named for Russell Sage – the financier and railroad magnate whose widow included Hamilton among numerous philanthropic causes – the 600-seat rink was constructed in 1921 and restored and renovated in memory of Albert Ira Prettyman and George Joseph Batt in 1993.
Hamilton’s storied rink is second only to Northeastern’s Matthews Arena on the list of oldest college hockey venues, though the Boston-area university shared last May that it is considering replacing Matthews with a new multisport facility. If those plans move forward, Sage Rink will earn the coveted distinction.
If you have questions about upcoming enhancements or would like to discuss opportunities for being part of Sage Rink’s legacy, please contact Senior Philanthropic Officer Sara Ziesenitz ’00 at 315-859-4843 or szieseni@hamilton.edu.
Sage Rink Renovation Phase I
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