By Laren Kowalczyk ‘07

A beloved fixture of Bowling Green State University and the community, the Slater Family Ice Arena was formally dedicated and celebrated on Nov. 2, ushering in a new era of Falcons hockey following the completion of a transformative multi-million dollar renovation.

The project, generously supported by BGSU alumni and devoted University advocates, includes upgrades to the interior and exterior, providing an enhanced fan experience while preserving the history and tradition of the iconic facility.

Longtime BGSU supporter Scott Slater ’73, for whom the facility is named, initiated the ice arena renovation project with a significant lead gift and support totaling more than $2.5 million.

“The BGSU ice arena has always been a place where communities come together. Student-athletes compete here, families gather here, friendships are built and memories are made both on the ice and in the stands,” Slater said. “For me, supporting this renovation was about preserving and enhancing a space at BGSU that has meant so much to me and my family, and so many others. I want to help ensure it continues to bring people together for generations to come.”

The ice arena’s striking new entrance opens into a 1,000-square-foot lobby and modernized interior, highlighting the historic program’s achievements and promoting future growth. Enhancements to locker rooms, existing building systems, life safety, accessibility and functionality were also made.

Avid BGSU supporters and local business leaders Al and Mary Green and two of their three children and spouses, Mark ’91 and Michelle ’92 Remeis and Steven ’90 and Michelle (Misty) Green were recognized for their generous $1 million gift with the naming of the new Green, Remeis and Green Mezzanine on the south end of the main rink featuring luxury suites, club seats, concessions and premium rail seating, elevating the fan and game-day experience. 

The project received additional gifts from several BGSU alumni and friends.

Hockey history at BGSU

BGSU has long been known for its hockey program, having been led from 1973 to 1979 by U.S. Hockey Hall of Famer Ron Mason, who retired as the all-time winningest coach in NCAA hockey history. The Falcons then went on to win the NCAA Division I crown in 1984, cementing a lasting, permanent legacy at BGSU that has inspired a loyal fan base.

Many players who were members of the 1984 team came to BGSU because of its relationship to hockey. Not only was the team ascending under coach Jerry York — who eventually succeeded Mason as the winningest coach in NCAA history — but Bowling Green was and is a place where hockey mattered.

BGSU also has helped launch the professional careers of many hockey alumni, with more than 40 former players going on to play, manage or coach in the NHL.

With a capacity of 5,000, the Slater Family Ice Arena is among the largest arenas in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association. Hockey fans consistently pack the stands and bring enthusiastic energy to Slater Family Ice Arena. 

The NCAA ranked the BGSU student section among the best in college hockey — a long-held tradition that community business leader and donor Al Green recalled enjoying when he began attending BGSU hockey games in the early 1970s.

“Section A was always an entertaining part of BGSU hockey games,” Green said. “The college kids were, and still are, fantastic! They were loud and spirited and came up with really cool cheers that encouraged participation by fans throughout the arena and provided competitive momentum for the student-athletes. That, in addition to great hockey, was really fun to watch.”

Since opening in 1967, the ice arena has been an integral part of the BGSU experience, bringing together students, athletes and community members to celebrate competition and tradition.

In addition to Falcons hockey, the Slater Family Ice Arena hosts youth hockey programs, figure skating and learn-to-skate programs, fostering the dynamic relationship between BGSU and the broader Bowling Green community.

Olympic gold medalist Scott Hamilton and U.S. two-time national champion figure skater Alissa Czisny ’09 both got their start at the ice arena. It also has been home to five high school hockey state championship squads and a mixed curling national championship team.

“Our hockey program is a cornerstone of what makes BGSU Athletics so special,” said BGSU Director of Athletics Derek van der Merwe. “The Slater Family Ice Arena is not just a home for our athletes but a testament to the competitive spirit and excellence that define BGSU hockey. This renovation strengthens our ability to recruit and develop student-athletes while providing a premier game-day experience that rivals the best in college hockey. The generosity of the Slater and Green and Remeis families, along with many others, is an investment to ensure that this arena continues to play a crucial role in the success and legacy of BGSU Athletics.”

As a facility that connects campus and community, the ice arena has garnered tremendous support over the years from alumni and friends who want to ensure its future.

Slater and his family have been integral to those efforts, contributing significantly in 2009 to the “Bring Back the Glory” fundraising campaign that generated gifts from many donors and secured the future of the BGSU hockey program. Following an additional transformational  $2 million gift from Slater, the ice arena was named Slater Family Ice Arena in 2017.

“Private philanthropy plays an essential role in elevating facilities like the Slater Family Ice Arena, transforming them into spaces that enrich the BGSU experience for students and the community alike,” said Pam Conlin, vice president for University Advancement and president and CEO of the BGSU Foundation. “This renovation reflects the generosity and dedication of our donors to honor tradition while expanding opportunities for generations to come."

Additional gifts, in a variety of amounts, were received from dedicated BGSU alumni and friends for this renovation project. Major gifts were provided by Larry N. ’84 and Patty Benz, Robert B. ’90 and Brandy Blake, Dick A. and Nadine M. Edwards, Matthew H. ’97 and Christine L. Eldred, Darrel G. Howard ’69, James C. Koehler ’55, Robert E. ’94 and Nicole Lewis, and Linda C. Ueltschy ’69, ’71, ’82. For more information, contact Dan Meyer, dbmeyer@bgsu.edu.