Yale Ice Skating Rink

The Yale Ice Skating Rink, also known as the David S. Ingalls Rink, is a historic ice hockey rink located in New Haven, Connecticut, on the campus of Yale University. The rink was built in 1958 and is named after David S. Ingalls, a Yale alumnus and former captain of the Yale hockey team. The Ingalls Rink is home to the Yale Bulldogs men's and women's ice hockey teams and has a seating capacity of approximately 3,500 spectators.
History and Architecture

The Ingalls Rink was designed by architect Eero Saarinen, who is famous for his futuristic and modernist designs. The rink’s unique design features a curved, elliptical shape with a large, suspended roof that provides an open and airy feel to the interior. The rink’s architecture has been praised for its innovative design and has been featured in numerous architectural publications. The Ingalls Rink has undergone several renovations and upgrades over the years, including the installation of a new ice rink surface, seating, and scoreboard.
Technical Specifications
The Ingalls Rink has a number of technical specifications that make it an ideal venue for ice hockey and other ice sports. The rink’s ice surface is 200 feet long and 85 feet wide, which is slightly smaller than the standard NHL size. The rink’s refrigeration system is capable of maintaining a temperature of 18°F (-8°C) and a humidity level of 50%, which provides ideal conditions for ice skating and hockey. The rink also features a state-of-the-art sound system and a large, high-definition scoreboard.
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Ice Surface Length | 200 feet |
Ice Surface Width | 85 feet |
Seating Capacity | 3,500 |
Refrigeration System | Ammonia-based |
Sound System | State-of-the-art |

Ice Hockey Programs

The Ingalls Rink is home to the Yale Bulldogs men’s and women’s ice hockey teams, which compete in the NCAA Division I ECAC Hockey conference. The men’s team has a rich history, dating back to 1896, and has won several conference championships and appeared in the NCAA Tournament several times. The women’s team was established in 1977 and has also experienced success, winning several conference championships and appearing in the NCAA Tournament. The Ingalls Rink also hosts various youth and adult ice hockey leagues and tournaments throughout the year.
Notable Events
The Ingalls Rink has hosted a number of notable events over the years, including NCAA Tournament games, ECAC Hockey championships, and international ice hockey tournaments. The rink has also been used for concerts, figure skating competitions, and other events. In 2013, the Ingalls Rink hosted the NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Championship, which was attended by over 7,000 spectators. The rink has also been used as a practice facility for the US Olympic ice hockey team.
- NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Championship (2013)
- ECAC Hockey championships (multiple years)
- International ice hockey tournaments (multiple years)
- Concerts and figure skating competitions (multiple years)
What is the seating capacity of the Ingalls Rink?
+The seating capacity of the Ingalls Rink is approximately 3,500 spectators.
What type of events are held at the Ingalls Rink?
+The Ingalls Rink hosts a variety of events, including ice hockey games, concerts, figure skating competitions, and other events.
Is the Ingalls Rink open to the public for ice skating?
+Yes, the Ingalls Rink is open to the public for ice skating during certain times of the year. Please check the rink’s website for public skating schedules and prices.