Newer ice arenas don't often impress, you know, function over fashion. This is a really, really…read morenice new ice arena. One remarkable plus at the C.R.I.C. is the second sheet of ice, refrigerated ice OUTSIDE next to the main building. This outside ice allows for a unique playing experience. The main arena is huge, with some neat photos of the local hockey heros who went on to play in college or pros. The stands, are all on one side. This is a big arena with a large amount of seating. This would be a rocking place when full and loud for a rivalry game. There is a large heated lobby with concessions and a small yet useful skate shop. Wood beams inside make this place feel special. From this common area there is a glass view of one end of the ice. The building has rooms for meetings and birthday parties and other events. There is ample parking. Outside ice sheet next to arena is a major draw and pretty cool! Well done C.R. hockey people!

Home to the multiple National Champion Golden Gophers women's hockey team, Ridder is a fantastic…read moreice arena. This ice arena was the first, and remains one of only a few, ice arena's dedicated to woman's hockey. The arena features seating for 3,400. Ridder Arena features and NHL sized ice surface and is next door to Mariucci Arena (home of the men's Gopher hockey team). The two buildings are connected via an underground access tunnel, which allows them to share ice resurfacing. The arrangement also allows the two Gopher hockey teams easy access to both NHL (Ridder Arena) and Olympic ice (Mariucci Arena), depending on their weekly opponent. Ridder Arena has concessions, merchandise, trophies and memorabilia areas. This arena is a gem.

Great location. Good parking. Good concessions and Mikes Mini Donuts! Good selection at the…read moreconcessions except they were out of Carmel corn. Reasonably priced. Arenas are clean and good visibility. Bring a blanket. It is chilly

The ice is usually in good condition.The parking is ample and the concession stand is reasonable…read moreand usually open

Attended my nieces ice skating competition today. First time to the super rink and now I know why…read moreit's called the super rink! It's HUGE! The revenue has over 4+ rinks. A great snack and food area called the hat trick. I got a hotdog which was good. They even have real chick fil sandwiches available to buy! Mind blown. The place was very comfortable and it wasn't too cold. Lots of fun vendors selling stuff too.

Before the pandemic I was playing men's league hockey every Sunday night. We played for over 10…read moreyears before they locked up the building and everything stopped. We had a great run coming up here to skate. This past weekend was my first time back at the rink in over 3 years. For hockey again however this time to watch my nephew who was in town with his team for a Showcase. It was good to get back to the rink and watch some hockey. We can now also say that generations of is have skated on these rinks. A total of 8 rinks. This is quite the complex. I know they have soccer fields and other events however we were always here for hockey and in the State of Hockey, this will always be a popular place.

This arena is basic. Single sheet of ice. Stands on one side and player bench area on the other…read moreside. Thing to note is that this arena is almost always cold. Really. There is a heated room at the north end with a decent view of the ice where you can stand in relative warmth, eats or drink from vending machines, and see team photos from the local youth leagues. In a state of awesome arenas, this is a perfectly functional arena in a convenient (for those in the north burbs at least) convenient easy to find location on Hwy 96. Added local bonus: great library across the street; indoor pool and water park at nearby Shoreview Community Center; a handful of restaurants within 1-2 mile drive. Bring gloves, a hat, and a seat cushion.

Super fun time! Haven't been in a couple years so it was nice to be back and watch! Sat on the…read morefloor for the first time but I think the upper level gives a better view. Merch selection is pretty good and the halftime entertainment is fun and kid friendly. Exciting and budget friendly activity in the Twin Cities!

There's no doubt the MN Roller Girls are a five star group, even if I have a few minor quibbles…read morewith my night out. I really think pretty much everyone in Minnesota should at tend at least once. They do a good job of explaining the rules so first timers know what is going on. *Five stars for being a first class organization, good for families, supportive of lots of cool community stuff (like the Anne Bancroft Foundation and Project for Pride in Living) *Five stars for showcasing quality woman athletes of all sizes. *Five stars for the live band dance party during halftime. *Five stars for $11 tickets plus kids 9 and under are FREE. *Five stars for beer. (Ok, I'm not a big beer drinker, but I fully support beer sales at any event. I just do. The rest of the concessions were just a bit above average in the pricey but tasty popcorn style) (I brought in my own water and snacks, they were checking bags but not closely.) But. BUT. And I wouldn't dare take away a star, but I'm old. And my kids are young. Could you turn down the volume just a tad so I can have a conversation that doesn't involve yelling?. And maybe start the main bout just a half hour earlier? I don't mean to nit pick, and I didn't for one second think about taking away a star.

I came to this skatepark to ride, paid my money, and was skating for about 15 minutes when a staff…read moremember approached me and said, "you can't be chasing down kids." That accusation was completely false. I was not interacting with anyone's children in any way. A random woman complained, and instead of staff verifying what actually happened, they chose to repeat a serious and damaging accusation to my face. Labeling an adult as someone "chasing kids" is not a minor issue--it's dangerous, defamatory, and irresponsible. There was no attempt to observe, ask neutral questions, or handle the situation professionally. I was treated as guilty based solely on someone else's assumption. I will not be returning or spending money at a place that handles situations this poorly and puts customers at risk of false accusations.

This place is awesome. It is very family friendly. My son is non-verbal and struggles to find…read moreplaces that he feels he belongs. He immediately loved 3rd Lair and all the amazing and supportive staff. I can not recommend this place enough. They do a great job fostering community and a love of skateboarding in all ages. They have great skating clinics and do a good job of making skateboarding accessible to all ages and abilities. We love it!

Aldrich Arena is a classic. One of the must visit -- for a rivalry game, during a full house --…read morehockey arenas in the state. For example, if it's White Bear vs Hill Murray, that would be a packed, energetic crowd to see, hear and join. I suppose any arena where locals young and old gather to cheer and jeer can be raucous, but some arenas have the "it" factor. Aldrich has the it factor. Maybe it is the impressive exterior, or how the outside reminds me of walking up to the old Met Center where the North Stars once played. Aldrich stands just off White Bear Avenue and in the middle of a huge parking lot like a king on a throne. Inside is a large arena with 3,000 plus seating in the stands and ample standing room space. There are great ice views all around. And yes, an organ. The place feels like history. The conference titles won, the dreams realized, the section finals and the energy of former players watching their younger selves skate before thousands all in an attempt to win a ticket to the state tournament. I'm told Aldrich also hosts graduation ceremonies, conventions and other off ice events. There is a golf course right behind the arena that is a lot of fun too.