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Location: Saint Paul, MN
Area: 259,000 square feet
Client: Ryan Companies US, Inc.
Owner: University of St. Thomas (UST)
Building Type: Arena, Education, New Construction
The Lee & Penny Anderson Arena is a 259,000-square-foot, new, multi-use arena at the University of St. Thomas (UST) in Saint Paul, MN. The arena houses the university’s Division I hockey and basketball programs, with a spectator seating capacity of 3,700 and 5,400 respectively. Verdical Group is working with Ryan Companies US, Inc., to provide the following services:
Embodied carbon was a priority for the project team, with the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) showing a 19.3% reduction in Global Warming Potential compared to a baseline building, boasting more than 40 products with EPDs; more than 40 products with HPDs, Cradle-to-Cradle certifications, and/or Declare labels; and over 15% sustainable criteria value through the selection of steel with high recycled content, FSC wood, and biobased materials. Perhaps the most unique aspect of this project is the ice hockey rink and ice plant, which utilizes ammonia, a 0 GWP and 0 ODP refrigerant, for enhanced refrigerant management. In terms of operational energy, the project was also able to realize an 11.9% energy cost savings through various energy reduction strategies.
As an event venue, the project team was also concerned with reducing waste onsite. By placing composting bins for food waste throughout the building in addition to trash and recycling bins, the owner was able to cut down on organic waste generated during events. The project already realized a 58.38% overall diversion rate for construction and demolition waste.
The arena exceeded expectations for outdoor water reduction by installing a rainwater reuse system for landscape irrigation, while indoor water use was reduced by 35.7% through the selection of low-flow plumbing fixtures and fittings.
The project was awarded both Project of the Year and top honors in the Education category as part of Finance & Commerce’s Top Projects of 2025! It also won a 2026 ENR Midwest Best Project award in the Sports/Entertainment category.
Interested in learning more about this project? Verdical Group’s Director and Chief of Staff Emily Hand joined The People’s Architect podcast to discuss the sustainability features of this development.
