The Oahe Hockey Association (OHA), community leaders, donors, and supporters gathered Tuesday (June 9, 2026) to celebrate the official groundbreaking of the Ice Barn Renovation Project, marking a major milestone in the organization’s Capitalize on the Future Campaign.
The project represents the third and final phase of a multi-year effort to modernize and expand ice facilities in central South Dakota. Campaign leaders announced that $3.1 million has been secured toward the campaign’s $3.7 million goal, leaving approximately $600,000 remaining to raise as construction begins.
“This groundbreaking represents years of planning, fundraising, and community support,” said Nick Marso, Campaign President. “The Ice Barn is far more than a hockey facility. It is a regional asset that serves thousands of youth and families throughout central South Dakota. Today’s milestone demonstrates what is possible when a community comes together around a shared vision.”
Purchased by OHA in 2016, the Ice Barn currently serves as a heavily utilized practice facility and is one of the only year-round ice facilities in South Dakota. Once completed, the renovation will transform the building into a game-ready, spectator-capable venue capable of hosting expanded hockey, figure skating, recreational skating, tournaments, and community events.
The project includes:
- Spectator seating and fire suppression systems
- Expanded locker rooms and referee facilities
- New concessions, restrooms, and warming areas
- Parking lot improvements
- Scoreboard and sound system upgrades
- Additional support and operational spaces
According to OHA leaders, the facility serves a region extending well beyond Pierre and Fort Pierre, providing year-round ice access to families from communities across a 300-mile radius.
“The Ice Barn has become one of the most important recreational facilities in central South Dakota,” said Bret Afdahl, OHA Board President. “This project allows us to fully realize its potential. It will create new opportunities for youth athletics, expand community programming, and strengthen our ability to host tournaments and events that bring visitors to our region.”
In addition to supporting youth development and recreation, project leaders estimate the completed facility could generate approximately $450,000 annually in additional visitor spending for the Pierre and Fort Pierre communities through tournaments, competitions, and special events.
The groundbreaking also signals the launch of the campaign's public phase. OHA leaders are encouraging individuals, families, and businesses to help close the remaining funding gap through one-time gifts or multi-year pledges.
“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity that has brought us this far,” Marso said. “With construction underway, we are now asking the broader community to help us finish the final $600,000. Many supporters have chosen commitments of $1,000, $2,000, or $5,000 annually over five years, making it possible for more people to participate in this transformational project.”
Construction will be led by Midwest Construction, with work expected to continue throughout the coming months.
“The Oahe Hockey Association has built tremendous momentum around this project,” said Andy Zarecky of Midwest Construction. “We are honored to partner with OHA and look forward to delivering a facility that will serve athletes, families, and the entire region for generations.”
The Capitalize on the Future Campaign is the culmination of a three-phase improvement plan that has already included major investments in refrigeration systems, new boards and glass, and other facility upgrades at both the Ice Barn and Expo Center.
For more information about the campaign or to make a gift, visit www.oahehockey.org/capitalize.
About Oahe Hockey Association:
The Oahe Hockey Association serves as the home of amateur hockey in Pierre and Fort Pierre, South Dakota. OHA provides year-round opportunities for hockey, figure skating, recreational skating, and youth development programs, serving more than 2,000 youth annually while hosting over 130 games and multiple tournaments each year.
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