Ralph Engelstad Arena announces updates for 2018 hockey season

Ralph Engelstad Arena has announced some of the new policies, amenities, and features fans can expect to experience during the upcoming 2018-2019 University of North Dakota hockey season, which opens Oct. 6 against the University of Manitoba.

New Concession Stands- 12 concession stands on the main and upper concourse have been completely updated with new themes and menus to offer fans more food and beverage options. Some of the new concession stands and their main offerings include:

• Dogs & Que (Section 103): BBQ sandwich, Mac ‘n’ cheese, kids meals
• Wishbone Kitchen (Section 106): Chicken strips, chicken sandwich, gluten free options
• The Carvery (Section 107): Prime rib or roasted turkey sandwiches, made-to-order salads
• Slap Shot Grill (Section 109): Double bacon cheeseburger, Philly cheese steak, fries
• Midway Treats (Section 110): Funnel cakes, corn dogs, shaved ice, fresh lemonade
• The Imperial (Section 114): Gourmet burgers, craft bratwurst, Bavarian pretzel
• All-American (Section 303): Hot dogs, bratwurst, corn dogs, cheese curds
• La Cantina (Section 308): Extreme nachos, taco-in-a-bag, churros
• The Dog House (Section 309): Hot dogs, foot long corn dogs, polish sausage

Fans will also be able to purchase refillable fountain soda (5 concession stands) and refillable popcorn (8 concession stands) which will allow unlimited refills” for the duration of the game.  Ralph Engelstad Arena is also committed to keeping the live experience affordable for fans by offering a number of items for $5 or less; including: cheeseburgers, popcorn, Bavarian pretzels, funnel cakes, hot dogs, pizza, and candy.

Hugo’s Market Xpress – As the exclusive grocery store of Ralph Engelstad Arena, the former Grab N’ Go concession location behind Section 112 on the Main Concourse has been rebranded and relaunched as “Hugo’s Market Xpress” and will feature an expanded beverage and candy selection as well as frozen treats and ice cream products.

Hugo’s Wine and Spirits Lounge – The new “Hugo’s Wine & Spirts Lounge” behind Section 112 will offer specialty cocktails and mixed drinks on the Main Concourse for the first time. This is a new beverage option for those who seek a cocktail or a mixed drink on the Main Concourse. Patrons must be 21 or older to enter the Hugo’s Wine & Spirits Lounge.

New Sioux Shop Location- The Sioux Shop will add a second location to the Main Concourse by Section 105 (next to the Entertainment Stage).  This location will offer fans an additional option on the Main Concourse to pick up their favorite University of North Dakota apparel and merchandise from brands such as Adidas, Nike, Under Armor, and Reebok.

Game Presentation Features- Enhancements have been made for player introductions and pregame activities, including a new intelligent lighting system that has the ability to strobe and produce color washes. A new system has also been mounted on the glass in each corner of the rink that will shoot CO2 jets 20 feet high whenever UND scores a goal. The Touch Tunes music system, along with new exterior speakers above the student line-up area will be available on game day to students waiting in line to get into the arena.  This service will also be available exclusively for students during the first 30 minutes that they are in the building. The UND students will be able to control the music played externally during the day, and internally during the first 30 minutes that the doors are open via the Touch Tunes system. A new 3-minute warning will be used when there are three minutes remaining in the intermission to let people know that the game is about to resume and encourage them to return to their seats.

Bag Policy- A standard bag policy will be used for all events this year, including hockey games, concerts, family shows, and special events. Bags must be smaller than 14” x 14” x 6” in order to be allowed inside the arena.

Designated Ride Share Location- A new designated ride share location for Uber and Lyft drivers has been established at the Southwest student doors.  People getting dropped off before the game or picked up afterwards should use this location.

LED scorer’s table in Betty Engelstad Sioux Center- A little over 47 feet long, the new LED scorer’s table in the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center will be used for crowd prompts, fan engagement, and advertising opportunities during UND volleyball and basketball games.  All off court officials, as well as radio and television production, will work from this area during games.

“As we get set for the 18^th hockey season in the arena we’re excited for fans to see some of the changes we made over the summer,”said Jody Hodgson, General Manager of Ralph Engelstad Arena. “Every year we try to make improvements to give fans the best experience possible when they come for a game. We think fans will notice a big difference in concession options and game presentation elements when UND opens their season on October 6^th against Manitoba.”