Aug. 27 – Labor Day, Sept. 7, 2026
Coliseum History — ICE SKATING & HOCKEY
1908 to 1943: The Hippodrome Ice Rink brought winter events to the State Fair. Weather dependent, the ice was created by flooding the clay arena floor and opening the windows and doors to allow in cold air.
Ca. 1926: St. Paul Athletic Club
1936: Speed skating championships
1930s: Hippodrome Skating Club logo and club members
Before creating the touring show known as the Ice Follies in 1936, which later became a worldwide phenomenon, Oscar Johnson and Eddie Shipstad performed skating tricks and comedy numbers at Como Lake in St. Paul. Beginning in 1924, they brought their shenanigans to the Hippodrome and entertained crowds during hockey game intermissions.
1975: Hippodrome was renamed the Coliseum after renovation projects, including heating and cooling for year-round use and an ice rink in January 1976.
1976: The Jan. 17 grand opening of the new ice rink brought skaters to the Coliseum.
1976: The “Ice-A-Fair” at the Coliseum included St. Paul Winter Carnival royalty, speed skaters and a hockey game between the East Siders with Governor Anderson (far left) and the Strauss Skate Shop.
Hosted boys high school hockey games from 1976 to 2014 and the girls high school hockey tournament beginning in 1996
2014: Feb. 28 was the last night of hockey at the Coliseum, with section finals played by Stillwater vs. Hill-Murray (above left) and Centennial High School vs. Blaine (above right).
2014: A “farewell to the ice” free open skating event on Saturday, March 1, was held to reminisce and say goodbye to the ice rink that was home to storied hockey games and team practices since 1976.
