89° and Patchy rain nearby
MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Frozen Ground Delays $45 Million Braemar Arena Renovation
Frozen soil extending as deep as 12 feet beneath the East Rink has moved its expected completion from late October to January and disrupted hockey scheduling.
EDINA, MN (August 31, 2026) The $45 million renovation of Braemar Ice Arena faces a delay of as much as eight weeks after construction crews discovered deeply frozen soil beneath the East Rink floor.
The rink was originally expected to return to service in late October. City officials now project completion around January 1, 2027.
The delay leaves Braemar operating with two ice sheets during the fall while arena officials, schools and youth-hockey organizations revise schedules and seek alternative practice and game locations.
Frozen Soil Found Beneath Rink
Crews discovered frozen ground extending as deep as 12 feet beneath the East Rink during early floor construction.
Concrete cannot be poured over ground that remains frozen because later thawing and movement could damage the new rink floor.
The city plans comprehensive soil testing in mid-October. Floor construction can resume after testing confirms that the frost has cleared and the ground is suitable.
The unexpected condition differs from an ordinary weather delay. Artificial ice systems, insulation conditions and the long history of rink operations can allow frost to remain below a structure after the visible ice and floor have been removed.
Hockey Programs Face Scheduling Pressure
Braemar will operate with two available ice sheets during the affected period. The completed project is expected to provide as many as four.
Arena staff and city officials are coordinating with the Edina Hockey Association to revise schedules and identify other facilities that may accommodate displaced practices and games.
Finding replacement ice can be difficult during Minnesota’s fall and winter hockey season because arenas throughout the metropolitan area already have established commitments.
Scheduling changes may affect youth teams, high-school programs, coaches, families and tournament organizers.
The exact effect will depend on when construction resumes and whether the revised January completion date can be maintained.
Project Began in March
Construction began in March as part of a broader modernization of Braemar Arena, which dates to the 1960s.
Edina voters approved a half-cent local sales-and-use tax in 2022 to help finance the project.
Because the tax applies to eligible purchases made within Edina, it is paid by residents and visitors, including people who travel to the city for shopping, dining, recreation and arena events.
The $45 million investment reflects Braemar’s regional significance and the substantial cost of renovating aging ice-arena systems.
Financial Effect Not Yet Clear
City officials have announced the schedule delay but have not publicly established the final financial effect of the frozen-soil problem.
Delays can produce additional costs through testing, site management, contractor scheduling, temporary measures and extended construction administration.
Some costs may be addressed through project contingencies or contractual provisions. The ultimate responsibility will depend on construction agreements, site information and the exact work required.
A schedule change does not automatically mean the entire project budget will increase by the same proportion.
What Happens Next
The next major decision point will arrive after the mid-October soil testing.
If testing shows that the ground has thawed sufficiently, crews can resume floor construction and work toward the January reopening.
If frozen areas remain or additional soil problems are discovered, the schedule could require another revision.
Families and teams should rely on communications from Braemar Arena, the Edina Hockey Association and school programs rather than assuming existing fall schedules remain unchanged.
STAY CONNECTED TO MINNEAPOLIMEDIA
Local stories matter. Subscribe free to MinneapoliMedia and receive independent news, community reporting and important updates from Minneapolis, the North Metro and communities across Minnesota.
SUBSCRIBE FREE: https://minneapolimedia.town.news/subscribe
MinneapoliMedia | Community. Culture. Civic Life
