Opinion: Arizona Hockey and Tucson will benefit with new Ice Rink

Hockey is becoming increasingly popular in the South West, and with a new rink coming to Tucson, Arizona Hockey should stand to benefit. 

The University of Arizona men’s club hockey team has had an illustrious history in Tucson, building a cult-like following since its inception in 1978. And after decades of playing competitive hockey inside the Tucson Convention Center, the Wildcats will soon have its own home.

Making news just days ago, it was announced that the Wildcats will play at the Mosaic Quarter Iceplex at Kino Sports & Entertainment Complex beginning August 2024.

A brand new, multi-sport facility that is being built in Southern Tucson, this impressive new arena will be able to hold up to three Ice Rinks at once, one of which, the Wildcats will hold exclusive rights to.

Calling Rink 1 of the Iceplex their home, the 3,000-seat Iceplex will be incredibly useful as it has been designed to allow for dedicated locker rooms, coach’s offices, film review facilities, and additional flex space.

The Iceplex and Field House are going to be Phase 1 of the construction of the new arena, while Phase 2 will include adding four restaurant concepts with outdoor seating, open pedestrian and lounge spaces, and urban splash pads.

The growth of hockey in Tucson provides an opportunity for the sport to continue to take off, and Arizona Hockey stands to benefit immensely.

Big things are coming to Tucson as the sport becomes increasingly popular in the South West. And we can thank the recent success of Arizona Hockey and the Arizona Coyotes’ Minor League affiliate the Tucson Roadrunners for that.

A sport not many envisioned being a staple here in Southern Arizona, however, the new arena is could change that a bit, and the Wildcats as well as the Tucson community stands to benefit.

In addition to the new arena, the school announced it will be adding three new teams. Beginning in 2024, Arizona will have a Division II men’s team that will serve as a feeder to the current club team that plays in the American Collegiate Hockey Association’s Division I league; as well as a Division II women’s team,  and an adaptive athletics sled hockey team.

Plus, the new facility will be used by more club teams in Tucson, which means more opportunities for the sport to continue to grow and take off.

Either way, this is an exciting time for Arizona Hockey. Under head coach Chad Berman, the team has been extremely competitive as the Wildcats are currently ranked No. 14 in the country, sporting a 13-5 record and current eight-game winning streak.