Just ahead of the 2018-19 USHL season, the Madison Capitols are unveiling the results of Bob Suter’s Capitol Ice Arena renovations.
The Capitols arrived at Bob Suter’s Capitol Ice Arena prior to the 2017-18 season, after they left Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Originally the plan was to shift from the Coliseum to Hartmeyer Ice Arena, but Bob Suter’s Capitol Ice Arena became the team’s home after the attempted move to Hartmeyer came up short.
Located in suburban Middleton, Bob Suter’s Capitol Ice Arena was traditionally a small venue that lacked much in the way of fan amenities. Ahead of this season, the Capitols went to work on $2 million in renovations that were aimed in part at creating a fan experience that is a little more conducive to the USHL. While the full project is not quite complete–some seating still needs to be installed–there are a few notable additions, including suites and a new beer garden. Once it is fully complete, the renovation should also provide a noticeable increase in capacity. More from the Wisconsin State Journal:
The Capitols retrofitted mezzanine space into seven suites. They removed the old, wooden bleachers and replaced them with metal ones that have seat backs ready to be attached.
The most noticeable change when you enter the arena is the addition of a 300-capacity beer garden above the east goal. It features its own seating section, a standing area and a bar.
Instead of barely being able to fit 1,300 people in Cap Ice under the old configuration, the Capitols see the capacity at around 2,500 when all of the seating is in place next month. Rows on the north side of the rink by the team benches still have to be constructed.
“I think the atmosphere is going to be awesome,” Capitols owner and Minnesota Wild defenseman Ryan Suter said. “You get 2,000 fans in here, it’s going to be rocking. It’ll be fun.”
Among some of the other upgrades to the facility include a new videoboard, along with a reconstructed home team locker room and weight room. The Capitols will play their home opener on Friday night against the Chicago Steel.
RELATED STORIES: Capitols Planning Bob Suter’s Capitol Ice Arena Renovations; Madison Capitols’ Move to Hartmeyer Ice Arena Scratched; Madison Capitols to Move to Hartmeyer Ice Arena
