Join the Effort, Build the Future!

For more than 20 years, local parents and volunteers with the Becker–Big Lake Ice Association (BBLIA) have shared one clear goal: a community ice arena that gives our young athletes, families, and neighbors a place to call home.

The idea began with hockey—families eager to give their kids a true home rink—but the vision has always been bigger: a year-round place for our community to play, gather, and grow.

This project isn’t just about building a rink. It’s about building community pride, connection, and the next generation of leaders.

We’re launching a $6 million philanthropic campaign to make the Becker–Big Lake Community Ice Arena a reality. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a regional asset that serves families today and for decades to come.

Whether you skate, volunteer, cheer from the stands, or simply believe in what strong communities can build together—your support matters. Together, we can build a community arena that doesn’t just serve hockey players—but everyone who calls this area home. Every dollar brings us closer to the first drop of ice.

WHY IS THIS PROJECT NECESSARY? Becker–Big Lake has no local ice facility. Hockey families drive an hour round trip to Princeton for every practice and game, and many young players shift to other hockey associations because the commute is easier. Those travel, cost, and scheduling barriers limit participation for new and younger skaters. At the same time, our community has no indoor space for public skating, figure skating, or year-round recreational events. A community arena will give residents of all ages a place to play, gather, and belong—a home for hockey and a true hub for the whole community.

WHERE WILL IT BE LOCATED? The new arena will be built on 137th Street, just west of Highway 10, centrally positioned between Becker and Big Lake with room for future growth—an ideal location for a long-term regional facility.

WHAT WILL THE FACILITY INCLUDE? This is more than a rink—it’s a place for the entire community to connect year-round. It will be a multi-use community recreation hub, featuring:

One full-sized ice sheet for hockey, figure skating, and open skating, with space reserved for a future second sheet as needs grow
Locker rooms, spectator seating, and a warm viewing area
Multi-purpose space for community events, expos, and recreational programs during the off-season
Concessions, team and storage areas, and future expansion capacity

WHO WILL BENEFIT? Everyone. The arena will serve:

Youth hockey players, families, and students from Becker, Big Lake, and surrounding areas
Recreational and figure skaters of all ages
Local residents and organizations hosting dry-floor events and community gatherings
Over time, additional ice sports or community programs could be added as demand and capacity grow.

WHAT IS THE COST, AND HOW WILL IT BE FUNDED? The total project cost is $10 million, funded through:

$6 million in philanthropic support from individuals, businesses, and foundations through the “Beyond the Boards Campaign”
A bank loan of up to $5 million, supported by BBLIA’s proven charitable gambling and rental revenue streams.

BBLIA’s model is designed to responsibly manage this debt while maintaining positive annual net income. Increasing the philanthropic share reduces long-term debt and expands flexibility for operations and programming.

Beyond the Boards Capital Campaign

Where the Ice Unites Us