Keep your eyes peeled for a big, modern building with pale stone walls, a bold sign saying “Northwest Arena,” and a huge round glass tower right on the corner-it looks a little bit like the nose of a spaceship has landed in the middle of downtown!
As you stand here in front of Northwest Arena, take in the crisp, clean lines of the building-the kind of place that practically shouts, “Big things happen here!” This arena is where Jamestown comes alive, echoing with the thundering cheers of hockey fans and the bright music of concerts. Step inside and you could almost hear it:, the excitement swirling around like a snowstorm. The arena’s heart beats loudest when the Jamestown Jayhawks take to the ice, representing the local college with pride and maybe the occasional lost tooth.
But there’s more to this place than just cold air and slap shots. Over the years, Northwest Arena has been home to a parade of hockey teams with names you could yell at a sports bar-the Titans, the Vikings, the Jets, the Ironmen, the Rebels-enough teams to fill a whole Norse saga, with just as much drama! Here, hopes have soared, pucks have crashed into glass, and once in a while, someone in the crowd spills their popcorn at a crucial moment. Some dreamed it might grow even bigger-maybe fit 3,000 fans-but the dream got iced. Still, that never slowed down the energy.
It’s not just for hockey fans, either. Northwest Arena has rolled out the red carpet for stars like Kenny Rogers and Clint Black, echoed with the hooves of Lipizzaner stallions, and filled with the fists and shouts of Golden Gloves boxing. It was even part of the excitement for the 2011 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. So while you’re here, let your imagination skate back and forth-because in this arena, the history is just as lively as any game day.
