Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame Plans $70M Facility in Twin Cities

Minnesota is known as the State of Hockey — and now, a massive new project could make that title official in a whole new way. On August 22, 2025, hockey legends announced plans for a $70 million Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame facility to be built in the Twin Cities metro.

A Landmark for Minnesota Hockey

The new 120,000-square-foot facility would be one of the largest hockey-focused projects ever built in the state. According to CEO Natalie Darwitz, a St. Paul native and three-time U.S. Olympian, the goal is to create a permanent home that celebrates the game’s history and future in Minnesota. She was joined at the announcement by Lou Nanne, Jamie Langenbrunner, and Andrew Heydt, who will serve as the Hall’s president.

What’s Inside the Facility

Plans call for:

• A 30,000-square-foot museum highlighting Minnesota hockey legends, milestones, and memorabilia

• A 20,000-square-foot performance hall for events and celebrations

• A hockey-themed restaurant and bar

• Dedicated event spaces for private and public gatherings

• A 2,200-seat sunken ice rink, designed to host tournaments and special events

The design is led by ESG Architecture and Design, a Minneapolis-based firm with a track record of creating destination spaces.

Where Will It Be Built?

While no official location has been named yet, the idea of placing the hall near the National Sports Center in Blaine has been floated in the past. Other possibilities include downtown Minneapolis or St. Paul, which already host major hockey events and venues.

Boosters hope construction can begin as soon as 2026, with the goal of opening within a few years.

Relationship with the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame

Some may be wondering — doesn’t Minnesota already have a hockey hall of fame? Yes, the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame has been located in Eveleth since 1973. However, the new Minnesota-focused hall will celebrate the state’s unique role in the game, while the Eveleth museum remains a national institution. Andrew Heydt emphasized that the project is not intended to compete with Eveleth, but to complement it.

A Win for the State of Hockey

Minnesota has long been the beating heart of hockey in the United States, with thousands of youth players, dozens of college programs, and a passionate fan base that extends from the Twin Cities to the Iron Range. This new hall would give fans, players, and visitors a place to gather, learn, and celebrate the sport that defines our state’s identity.

If the project breaks ground in 2026, the Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame could quickly become one of the most exciting cultural and sports destinations in the Midwest.