Yost Ice Arena - Michigan Wolverines
- Steve Ohnsman
- Nov 15, 2018
- 6 min read
Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57
Red Berenson Rink at Yost Ice Arena 1116 S. State St Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Year Opened: 1973
Capacity: 5,800
Get the Most from Yost
Yost Field House opened in 1923 to house the Michigan Wolverines basketball team. When the squad became so popular that the place could not hold all the fans who wanted tickets, Crisler Arena was built in 1967, leaving Yost to host gymnastics for a few years. In 1973, the building was converted into an ice arena, and the Wolverines hockey team has been there ever since.
The arena is one of the oldest in college hockey, debuting on November 10, 192. Unique among college rinks, Yost features distinctive arched windows and brick construction, setting it apart from others. Only Princeton's Hobey Baker Memorial Arena (built 10 months prior) and Northeastern's soon-to-be-demolished Matthews Arena (1910) have older rinks. At the time of its opening, Yost was the largest indoor building of its kind on any U.S. college campus.
These days, Michigan hockey is a perennial contender, which makes Yost a great place to visit. It is an old-school hockey arena and should be on the bucket list for all hockey fans.
Food & Beverage 4
All of the athletic venues at the University of Michigan have the same concession provider with similar offerings at similar prices. Yost Ice Arena has a single concourse with 13 stands. The most common is Wolverine Classics, which offers hot dogs ($7.25) and stadium sausages ($8.25) that are provided by Dearborn Sausage Company, and they are very good. Snacks include a soft pretzel for $6.5 (add $2 for the cheese cup) and popped maize ($6.5) instead of popcorn, a shoutout to the school colors of Maize and Gold.
Buddy's Pizza out of Detroit is the pizza provider, with a four-square pepperoni or cheese pizza going for $16.
BBQ Shack has loaded BBQ Nachos for $15, the same price as a BBQ Chicken Sammie, which is the most appealing option. Hail! Hail! Burger and Chicken have just that, with tenders going for $13.
Coca-Cola products are on offer in various sizes. A souvenir beverage mug is $12.25, a 32-ounce souvenir cup soda is $9.50, and a 20-ounce bottle of pop is $6.5. Bottled water will cost $5.50, while hot chocolate or coffee is $5.
Alcohol is now available here, with a 16-oz. can of beer ranging between $12.25 and $13.50, while a canned cocktail goes for $16.25.
Overall, although food and beverages are rather expensive, it is higher quality than fare found in similar stadiums. If you’re staying in Ann Arbor, though, better to save your appetite for the large selection of excellent restaurants found downtown.
Atmosphere 5
The exterior features arched windows and brick walls and provides a timelessly classic appearance. Although it is over a century old, it looks like it was built last week, a testament to the remarkable job of keeping it up to date for players and fans.
Inside, most of the seating consists of aluminum benches on all four sides of the rink. Modern theater-style seating is provided on the upper level, parallel to the rink. After several renovations in recent years, the arena has added a new ice surface and glass around the rink.
Overhead, there are many banners reflecting the successful history of Michigan hockey, as well as an octagonal state-of-the-art video board. Modern touches, such as noise baffles, make the environment more enjoyable. The sound system is lively, and the announcer’s voice is very clear. During the video review of a Wolverine's goal, the fans are treated to The Beatles’ “Let It Be.”
While walking around the concourse, fans can truly experience and enjoy the history of the school’s hockey program. Display cases explain the changes that have occurred over the years, while pictures of former and current players are on the walls and even support pillars.
Two maize and blue Zamboni machines, a favorite among fans, maintain the ice, piloted by young men wearing sports coats and ties—a tradition unique to Yost that adds character to the game. The results create an intimate, cozy, and vibrant hockey experience.
Neighborhood 5
Downtown Ann Arbor is within walking distance, and Main Street is the primary thoroughfare. Here you will find a great variety of excellent restaurants, bars, shopping, and breweries.
Zingerman’s Delicatessen is a favorite spot and is featured on ESPN as the local place to go and would be a perfect early morning stop if you want to get supplies for a gourmet tailgating party. Places like Ashley's and Arbor Brewing Company's Corner Brewery provide excellent full-service options as well.
If you like Italian food, then Mani Osteria and Bar come highly recommended, especially if you want something a little more upscale. Frita Batidos serves up tasty Cuban-inspired food. The Blue Nile serves up Ethiopian food, which is both unique and delicious.
If you want to enjoy a cheaper option, the New York Pizza Depot offers some specials throughout the week.
Kids will love the Ann Arbor Children’s Museum, while adults might prefer the university's Museum of Art. Both should be inspired by the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology or the Museum of Natural History. All are within walking distance of each other and the sports complex.
Hotel accommodations can be found clustered near I-94 just to the south of the stadium but expect to pay a hefty sum to stay here. If you’re flying in, the Detroit airport is about 20 miles to the east along I-94, and there are plenty of hotels there for a much better rate. As well, there are several lodgings in the northeast corner of the city along Plymouth Road.
Fans 5
The seating capacity is 5,800, and the average attendance usually exceeds 5,500. Students sit in the southeast corner of the arena next to the school’s hockey band–a very lively bunch. They keep the place rocking, offering chants and cheers that are quite clever.
Access 4
Yost Ice Arena is in central Ann Arbor, equidistant from I-94 and Highway 23, the main expressways around the city. Getting here, as with all Michigan athletic facilities, will require some travel through the city. Considering that this town welcomes over 110,000 fans for Wolverine football games, getting 5,000 in and out of Yost is relatively easy.
There are a number of free parking options as long as football or basketball is not playing at the same time. Crisler Lots 4,5,6, and 7 are near the Crisler Center, while University Lots 13,14, and 32 are at the corner of Hoover and Greene.
The arena is within walking distance of downtown, and you can find street parking there, with meters expiring at 6 p.m. If you get there around 5, you can pay for an hour and have a drink or two at one of the many establishments before strolling over to the rink.
Remember that no bags are allowed at any Michigan sporting event, which makes entry quick and painless. Getting around Yost is not too difficult, as the single concourse is wide enough, though you can expect lines at concessions and restrooms during intermission.
Return on Investment 4
Tickets are available through SeatGeek, the university's official reseller. As this is a secondary market, ticket prices vary widely between games. Big Ten matchups can be very costly, with the cheapest option often exceeding $70. If budget is your concern, try for a non-conference game where you should be able to get in for $30 or less.
Food is also expensive, but at least you can park for free. Still, with the overall experience one of the most memorable in college hockey, the expenditure is well worth it for puck heads.
Extras 5
A point for the Charlie Brown statue along the concourse. I don't know the connection between Michigan and Peanuts, but it is always nice to see Charlie when traveling. A point for the History of Yost display; it is important to appreciate the past when visiting a historic venue such as this.
Another point for the photographic roster along the wall of one course.
Another point for the other displays recognizing the achievements of Michigan hockey over the years, including 9 national championships. A final point for the student section and band, who really add to the proceedings.
Final Thoughts
Michigan is known for football, but if you are lucky, you might find a hockey game the night before the Wolverines take to the gridiron. With so much history here, a visit comes highly recommended. Get there early and get the most out of Yost.
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