New arena deemed 'cool' at first free skate night

It is estimated that over 100 people attended the opening night festivities. Rodney Ekstrom, Assistant Director of Student Activities attended the event, though he did not skate, he mentioned the impact free skating may have on the student body, "It's another thing to do," suggesting that it is a way to promote activity within the student body.

 "I'm looking forward to it,"Alec, a first year said. "I think it looks good," he added.  Alec was waiting in line for concessions with Tory, Andrew and Alec, other first year students. Though the center is anticipated to draw more students to PSU, none of the first years said the addition of the building influenced their decision to come to PSU.

The beauty of the building was not lost on those hitting the ice, "I love it, I think the architecture is gorgeous," Jillian Dibona, a PSU sophomore said. This was not Dibona's first time on the ice at the arena. Dibona, a competitive figure skater enjoyed the new ice at an earlier team event.

The building will serve as a welcome center as well as a recreational and athletic compound. It can be see from the top of High Street, Interstate 93 and those approaching the campus from Holderness.   

"It's cool to have a state of the art building on this part of campus," Ekstrom said.  The building is located on the Holderness side of campus, on a plot of land previously occupied by parking lot. 

 Students can enjoy free skating every Mon. through Thurs from 6 to 8 p.m. Those without ice skates can rent them at the arena for four dollars.

 The $16 million arena is the first completed part in the planned multi-phase ALLWELL center. The ALLWELL center is slated to replace the existing Athletic buildings at PSU and serve as an academic center for the Physical Education Department.