Edina — a city with deep hockey roots — opened two landmark recreational facilities at its Braemar sports complex. Together they represented a $12.4 million infrastructure investment (including site preparation, design, utilities, and access roads) that transformed one of the metro area's most active parks-and-recreation systems.
The Backyard Rink
The $1.4 million outdoor skating venue — nicknamed "The Backyard" — brought a distinctly modern edge to Edina's hockey tradition. The rink features an arched metal roof, heated player benches, and an eco-conscious icemaking system shared with the adjacent East Arena. Parks and recreation director Ann Kattreh described the result: "It's going to be a one-of-a-kind environment here."
The rink was also purposefully designed to accommodate sled hockey, with bench windows positioned approximately two feet above ice level — a detail that reflects Edina's commitment to inclusive athletic programming.
- Arched metal roof for weather protection
- Heated player benches
- Shared eco-conscious icemaking system with the East Arena
- Sled hockey–accessible bench configuration
- Future landscaped spectator area with fire pit planned
Braemar Field Dome
The $4.5 million inflatable sports dome spans 100,000 square feet — making it, at the time of opening, Minnesota's second-largest facility of its type. The structure contains approximately 5.6 million cubic feet of air and maintains an interior temperature of roughly 52 degrees via circulation blowers. The turf inside is FieldTurf identical to that used at TCF Bank Stadium.
A quarter-mile walking track rings the interior. The dome serves primarily as a practice facility for baseball, softball, lacrosse, football, and soccer — with the inflatable cover installed November through April each year.
The Broader Context
The upgrade addressed a longstanding facility demand: Edina's athletic fields had previously operated at approximately double the capacity of neighboring suburbs. The combined investment at Braemar positioned Edina as a regional hub for year-round youth and adult athletics.