Having a world-class college within our borders comes with all kinds of benefits. The fact that Yale University is located in New Haven means that we have some wonderful museums and incredible facilities associated with the college, many of which are open for public enjoyment. One of the Yale buildings that is most eye-catching is Ingalls Ice Rink. The Yale ice hockey team plays here and it's occasionally open for public skating. This is a truly unusual building that's most definitely unlike any other ice rink in the world!
Did you know that the Yale Bulldogs men's ice hockey team is the oldest collegiate hockey team in the country? The team has won multiple Ivy League championships and an NCAA championship title.
The Bulldogs male and female hockey teams play home games at David S. Ingalls Rink. This is undoubtedly one of the strangest buildings in Connecticut. It's easy to see why it's nicknamed the Yale Whale!
The rink took five years to build and was completed in 1958. It's named for David S. Ingalls and David S. Ingalls, Jr. The father and son pair graduated in 1920 and 1956, respectively, and were each hockey captains.
The arena seats 3,500 people and has a striking design that is marvelous to see in person. It's made up of a concrete arch "spine" with a timber roof that echoes when the stadium is packed.
The structural engineer that worked on Ingalls Rink also was involved in building Madison Square Garden and the St. Louis Gateway Arch.
While the whale is frequently used by the Yale team and other skate organizations, you'll also find scheduled open skate sessions and lunch-time hockey sessions that are open to the public.
Please note that you must bring your own equipment - Ingalls Rink does not have skates available for rent.
For more information about the Yale Whale's open skate days, check out the Yale University Sports and Recreation website.
Have you ever skated at Ingalls Ice Rink in Connecticut? Share your experiences in the comments!
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