The East Grand Forks Civic Center has been the heart of the community's recreation and athletic programs since opening in 1974. As the home of Green Wave hockey, youth hockey, figure skating, synchronized skating, and countless community events, the Civic Center has served generations of residents while hosting regional tournaments, graduations, concerts, craft shows, and other special events. Ongoing facility improvements are helping ensure it remains a premier community gathering place for years to come.
The Arena at a Glance
- 85' × 190' ice surface
- Seating for 2,500 spectators
- Ice season typically runs from late October through late March
- Standing room for approximately 800 additional guests
- Six team locker rooms
- Three public restrooms
- Two concession stands
- Approximately 750 parking spaces
- Fully accessible facility
- Available for rentals and special events
- Adjacent to Itts Williams Park, baseball fields, and other recreational amenities
Built By a Community
Construction on the Civic Center began in the summer of 1973 and wrapped up just 486 days later.
What makes this building special isn’t just when it was built, but how. Doctors, lawyers, farmers, painters, electricians, and countless volunteers donated their time, materials, and money to make it happen.
At its dedication in 1975, the message was simple: this building existed because the community believed in it.
Where Moments Happen
Hockey has always been at the heart of the East Grand Forks Civic Center. Over the years, the arena has hosted Section 8 and Section 8A boys and girls high school hockey tournaments, youth district and regional tournaments, synchronized skating competitions, and even a national Bantam hockey tournament.
Beyond the ice, the Civic Center transforms into a flexible space for community events throughout the year. Arts and crafts fairs, graduation ceremonies, and seasonal celebrations have all found a home here. The Civic Center has also hosted music events that fill the building with excitement. Concert series like Hot Valley Nights, along with other high-energy events, bring in crowds from across the region.
A Place of Strength
During the Red River flood of 1997, the Civic Center took on a critical role for the community. Before total evacuation of East Grand Forks, it served as headquarters for the Minnesota National Guard, becoming a central location for coordination and response efforts during a challenging time.
Caring for the Future
The East Grand Forks Facility Improvement Plan is a long-term plan shaped by community input and expert guidance to update the Civic Center where it’s needed most. It focuses on fixing aging infrastructure, improving safety and accessibility, and making sure the building can keep serving the community for years to come.
Recent Improvements
In February 2021, the City of East Grand Forks received a 50% matching grant from the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission Mighty Ducks Grant Program to retrofit the Civic Center’s refrigeration plant. This investment supported critical infrastructure improvements that help ensure reliable ice quality, energy efficiency, and long-term sustainability of the facility. The upgrade strengthened the Civic Center’s capacity to host practices, tournaments, and community events, reinforcing its role as a key regional venue for youth and amateur sports.
Future Improvements Include:
- ADA Improvements
- HVAC Improvements
- New Parking Lot
- New Ice Floor
Resources
Contact
Supervisor - Brenden Jones
(218) 773-0337
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Reserve Ice Time at the Civic Center
- Ice rental reservations must be made at least 72 hours in advance to ensure staff availability.
- Ice rentals are available on a first-come, first serve basis and are subject to change based on calendar and staff availability.
- Open hockey sessions are for East Grand Forks Youth Hockey players only.
- Contact the East Grand Forks Parks & Recreation Department at 218-773-8000 or by email egfparks@egf.mn for building availability.
Ice Time Rentals
at All Arenas
$150/hour
Call Us
(218)399-3270
Email Us
Please indicate the following in your email inquiry:
- Name of arena
- Date and time requested
- Name of event
Meet Us at Our Office
600 Demers Ave
East Grand Forks, MN 56721
Main Floor, East Wing, Suite E102
