UConn Toscano Family Ice Forum

UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT | STORRS, CT

Building on UConn’s longstanding tradition of athletic excellence, the Toscano Family Ice Forum was developed to advance the University’s men’s and women’s Division I hockey programs with modern training facilities and an on-campus arena that supports student-athlete development and recruitment. While the programs had an established presence on campus, existing facilities limited their ability to train, compete and recruit at the level to which they aspired, and competitive home games were played at Hartford’s XL Center. The new facility represents a significant investment in the future of the programs, providing a home that reflects their ambitions and strengthens hockey’s place within the broader life of the University.

The 97,200-square-foot facility provides comprehensive coaching, training and team environments designed to support the daily demands of Division I athletics. Dedicated locker suites for the men’s and women’s programs include lounge and dining areas, changing rooms and wet areas, while shared amenities include strength and fitness spaces, a skill-development room, equipment storage, coaches’ offices and video rooms.

Carefully planned adjacencies streamline training, recovery, preparation and team operations, creating an environment where student-athletes can spend time together, build stronger connections and foster team identity and cohesion. By providing facilities comparable to those of leading collegiate hockey programs, the Ice Forum strengthens UConn’s ability to recruit, develop and support student-athletes.

Located along Jim Calhoun Way at the edge of UConn’s Athletics District, the Ice Forum brings competitive hockey to campus and creates a true on-campus game-day experience, bringing students, alumni and fans together around the excitement and traditions of UConn Hockey. Inside, the 2,680-seat arena was designed to create an intimate and energetic atmosphere, placing every fan close to the action. Spectators can experience the game from traditional seating, an upper club level or ice-level lounge, offering a variety of perspectives while reinforcing the immediacy and intensity of collegiate hockey.

Drawing on the material character of the surrounding campus, the architecture combines glass, brick and metal panel with accents of UConn blue. These familiar elements are interpreted through forms that express the speed, precision and movement of the sport. Along the north façade, an angled metal-panel composition evokes the powerful gesture of a skate blade, giving the building a dynamic presence at the edge of the Athletics District.