New look Yost Ice Arena receives 'glowing' reviews across the board
Yost Ice Arena has long been a symbol of an era gone by. One of college hockey's last remaining "old barns" its classic old time hockey feel has long been a redeeming quality.
But the University of Michigan athletic department invested $16 million in renovations to make the old barn seem brand new from the inside, yet maintain its classic qualities that made it popular in the first place.
The video scoreboard no longer sticks out as the only state-of-art amenity of the newly renovated Yost Ice Arena.
Daniel Brenner | AnnArbor.com
"We’re so happy with what they’ve done," said senior captain Lee Moffie. "The lighting’s night and day different. The natural light is awesome. It almost kind of feels like you’re outdoors a bit at times when the sun’s really coming through."
Michigan assistant coach Brian Wiseman also raved about the added brightness to the arena. The windows on the arena's south end and new lighting throughout make the rink glow from within. The huge scoreboard that last year looked like it might cause the old building to collapse from the middle is now surrounded by similarly state-of-the-art amenities.
"I saw some of the projection, color pictures and photographs, and it was nothing like it really is. It is so, changed. So improved," said Michigan coach Red Berenson. "I thought they’ve done a terrific job." Yost was open to Michigan fans for "Skate with the Wolverines" on Sunday and many longtime fans too the opportunity to see the new and improved arena for the first time.
Daniel Brenner is a photography intern for AnnArbor.com.
Comments
Linda Peck
Tue, Oct 9, 2012 : 5:49 p.m.
It looks beautiful from the outside. I may never seen the inside, but I am so happy this was done, preserving the beautiful structural elements and updating the inside.
mun
Tue, Oct 9, 2012 : 5:46 p.m.
They should rename it the Red Berenson Arena.
Arboriginal
Tue, Oct 9, 2012 : 3:04 p.m.
I have not been to Yost for many years. It's a trip I'll be making soon! Thanks!
elganned
Tue, Oct 9, 2012 : 1:53 p.m.
More money wasted on updating a sports venue. What the U needs to do is build more parking for its students so they don't eat up all the spaces in downtown.
timjbd
Tue, Oct 9, 2012 : 4:01 p.m.
Yeah, Ann Arbor needs more parking lots. Good thinking.
NoPC
Tue, Oct 9, 2012 : 2:32 a.m.
That was so much fun! Got to watch some great hockey, skate with the Team, talk with players and coaches. Fantastic Family Fun! I just wish there would have more publicity about this event! After the "Blue & White" game, we were all treated to really good professional hockey, Grand Rapids Griffins (Detroit Red Wings) vs. Lake Erie Monsters (Colorado Av's). Did I forget to mention how spectacular Yost looks??? All I could say is "THIS IS MICHIGAN"
Billy Bob Schwartz
Tue, Oct 9, 2012 : 1:08 a.m.
Yost Field House was the basketball venue for many Michigan greats, including Cazzie Russell. The roof leaked, so time out was called to wipe up the drip from the snow melt on the roof. Maybe that's where the idea came from to make it an ice arena! Prior to Crisler Arena, hockey was played in the small ice arena across from the marching band field on Hill Street.