McConnell Arena closes for 16-month renovation

Beginning in April 2024 until August 2025, the McConnell Arena will be closed for a period of 16-months. The upgrades to the rink are long overdue, and once completed will provide a more consistent and enjoyable experience for all who frequent the space.

As a result, there will be no recreation programming taking place in the arena for the 2024-25 academic year. However, we look forward to welcoming back all of our members in fall 2025.

In 2022, McGill Athletics and Recreation (A&R) was awarded a grant by the Quebec government as part of the Programme de soutien aux infrastructures sportives et récréatives scolaries et d’enseignement supérieur (PSISRES). These funds, along with an additional investment by the University, will allow A&R to address the following:

• Upgrade the electrical system at the arena

• Install an insulated slab under the ice thus allowing the arena to remain open year-round. Currently, the rink sits on two cement slabs with no insulation, which requires the rink to close during the warmer months.

• The current ammonia-based refrigeration system will be replaced by a cleaner and more efficient CO2 system.

• Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) will be improved in some areas of the arena.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we begin this essential construction project.

McGill Athletics and Recreation

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