MADISON, WI – How hard can it be to turn an off-season football stadium into an outdoor hockey arena? As SGASi Production Services will tell you, it's a little more complicated than just adding water. When the University of Wisconsin wanted to host an outdoor hockey game in its Camp Randall Stadium, Ice Rink Events knew it would need a foundation for the sheet of ice for the hockey players – and two four-ton Zamboni machines to keep the rink in playable shape. They turned to SGASi Production Services for help.
According to SGASi, there had been two previous college hockey games outside in football stadiums and SGASi played a crucial role in both. The first was the "Cold War" at Michigan State University in 2001, which set the record for attendance at an outdoor hockey game. Then there was the aptly named "Frozen Tundra Hockey Classic" at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.
Each venue has its unique characteristics and for this game, SGASi chose to use a decidedly different approach. The Camp Randall field has an 18 inch crown and a surface of springy artificial turf. The challenge was to create a level surface over the crown of the field that would support the ice sheet and not deflect under the weight of the two Zambonis. Protecting the artificial turf while neutralizing its deflection was another high priority.
Using topographical survey data and proprietary software, SGASi's CAD department was able to create a precise 3-D model of the field and the platform. Each 4-foot-by-8-foot section of the platform was then cut to exact dimensions and labeled. Once on site, the 561 pieces quickly dropped into place to create a solid, level platform in less than half the time of previous installations.
"The system flew together on site, but before we could congratulate ourselves we had to know how it performed under load," said Tom Hilton, SGASi president. "When I got the thumbs-up from the Zamboni driver, I knew we'd done a great job."
Over 55,000 fans flooded the stadium, erupting with the Wisconsin "Jump Around," cheering the home team on with a come-from-behind victory. Other colleges are now thinking of duplicating the success of this game and SGASi said it is ready to help them when they do.
For more information and photos of the installation, go to www.SGASi.com.
