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Kreitzberg Arena
Kreitzberg Arena, nestled within the scenic environs of Norwich University, stands as a beacon of excellence in collegiate ice hockey facilities nationwide. Established in 1998, this arena was purposefully designed to meet and exceed the needs for a modern intercollegiate hockey and skating venue, enriching the Norwich community's athletic and recreational experiences and serving as a versatile space for a wide array of events.
Spanning a generous 59,000 square feet, Kreitzberg Arena boasts impressive features tailored to support competitive and recreational ice hockey at its finest. The arena's ice surface measures 200 x 90 feet, providing ample space for high-octane hockey action. This feature is especially beneficial for the Norwich men’s and women’s varsity ice hockey teams and the school’s club teams, enabling them to train and compete at an elite level. Furthermore, the facility extends its offerings to local youth and high school hockey teams, providing a professional-grade venue for practices and games.
One of Kreitzberg Arena's standout features is its spectator capacity. The arena comfortably seats 1,500 fans for regular games but can expand to accommodate up to 3,000 spectators for hockey matches and an impressive 5,000 for special events such as concerts, presentations, and campus convocations. This flexible seating capacity ensures no one misses the excitement within its walls.
The facility is thoughtfully equipped with varsity locker rooms for both the men’s and women’s ice hockey teams, underscoring the university's commitment to gender equality in sports. Each locker room is designed to foster team unity and preparedness. Additionally, the arena includes offices for the ice hockey head coaches, a well-appointed training room for athlete care, an officials’ locker room for game adjudicators, and six visiting team locker rooms. These visiting team locker rooms are particularly significant as they facilitate hosting large tournaments, showcasing Kreitzberg Arena’s capability to serve as a hub for sporting excellence.
Beyond the ice, the arena is home to a Norwich hockey merchandise shop, allowing fans to show their support through team apparel and accessories. Conveniently located in the adjacent Doyle Hall foyer, a snack bar offers refreshments, making every visit to Kreitzberg a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Kreitzberg Arena has garnered a reputation as a prestigious venue on the national stage, having hosted the NCAA Division III men’s ice hockey championships in 1999, 2003, and 2004, along with the 2018 NCAA Division III women’s ice hockey championship. These events highlight the arena's exceptional facilities and its staff's ability to manage significant national tournaments.
Since its inauguration, Kreitzberg Arena has fulfilled Norwich University’s vision of a cutting-edge intercollegiate hockey and skating facility. Its contributions go beyond sports; the arena enhances the recreational and athletic opportunities for all Norwich community members and provides an attractive, flexible space for various large-scale events. Through its comprehensive design and multifunctional use, Kreitzberg Arena proudly exemplifies the spirit and ambition of Norwich University, affirming its place as one of the premier collegiate ice hockey facilities in the United States.
