In 1968, alumni from the Class of 1923 formed the group "Friends of Pennsylvania Hockey," led by Howard Butcher, III. Butcher himself donated over $3 million or the equivalent of over $27 Million dollars today for the creation of the facility, and along with John Cleveland and Bill R. Wise, organized the largest class donation in the history of the university. The arena was named after the class to commemorate its generosity.
Made primarily of poured concrete, the 60,000 square foot arena is supported by 32 forty foot concrete columns around the exterior of the facility. The lower concourse includes eight locker rooms, vending area, the Quaker Room overlooking the ice surface, the Independence Room, and skate rental room. The ice surface itself is 85'x 200' with rounded corners and totals 16,330 square feet. The upper concourse includes two restrooms and two concession stands and two entrances on Walnut Street, which completes the building's professional feel. Designed by Robert C. McMillian Associates, this building was a benchmark in ice rink design.
Staff
Rob Harkins, CIRM
Director Business Services
Ice Rink Manager
Office: 215-898-1575
Cell: 302-249-6100
harkinsr@upenn.edu
William Richards, CIT
Assistant Manager
Office: 215-898-1923
Cell: 610-674-2674
wric@upenn.edu
Mike Petrocelli
Operations Manager
Office: 215-898-1923
Cell: 610-416-3649
mpetroc@upenn.edu
Katherine Quintero
Learn-To-Skate Director
Katquin@upenn.edu
