EDINA, MN — Braemar Ice Arena will operate on two ice sheets through Jan. 1 after construction crews found frozen soil beneath the East Rink floor during excavation, according to a statement from Better Braemar 2027, the city's official page for the project.
The discovery caught the project off guard.
An engineering firm tested the East Rink for frost last summer, before construction began, and found none at the time, project organizers said in response to questions on Facebook.
That earlier test was limited because the rink had to stay operational. Once excavation crews hit frozen ground and coolant pipes and a layer of sand were removed, a new test gave a clearer picture of how far the frost extends.
FOX 9 reported the frost reaches as deep as 12 feet below the surface and could delay the project up to eight weeks, citing city officials.
The $45.2 million renovation is funded by a half-cent sales and use tax Edina voters approved in November 2022, according to the city's Better Together Edina project page.
Construction began March 16 with the South Rink floor, then shifted to the East Rink in mid-June. East Rink work was originally set to finish by mid-October.
In its statement, Better Braemar 2027 said building the East Rink safely and to last is the priority, adding "we won't cut corners to make up time."
Staff said they'll work with user group leaders to adjust schedules, reallocate ice time as fairly as possible and find alternative options to limit disruptions.
Braemar is one of Minnesota's busiest arenas and home to Edina's high school hockey programs, regular contenders for the state championship.
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