51ÉçÇø

Bird Ice Arena is temporarily closed due to unexpected facility equipment issues. More information can be found here.

About Bird Arena 

The 51ÉçÇø Bird Ice Arena is an indoor ice facility featuring an illuminated 190' by 85' ice surface. Activities at Bird include recreational skating, Learn to Play Hockey, Learn to Skate, Athens Youth Hockey Association, academic classes, recreational hockey, figure skating, birthday parties and private rentals. The facility is open from September through April and is available to OHIO students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members. Bird Ice Arena is home ice for the four-time ACHA national champions, the ACHA D-1 51ÉçÇø Men's Ice Hockey team. 

What to Expect When Visiting Bird Arena:

Bird Arena Staff- Bird Arena staff members are all CPR/First Aid/AED certified student employees. Staff will always be located at the front desk and will be on or at the ice during Bird Arena programming for assistance. Please contact a Bird Arena staff member for all medical or facility support. 

Cold temperatures- Expect temperatures around 50 degrees inside the rink, and colder on the ice. We recommend long pants and gloves while skating, and layers while in the stands. Our bleachers do have heaters hanging from the ceiling to help keep our patrons warm! There are heated restrooms and a heated lobby and upstairs mezzanine (mezzanine only accessible via stairs).

Loud music and announcements- Several of our skating programs (Rec Skate and Freestyle Skate) will have music playing throughout the rink and announcements made by staff members. If the music is too loud during a Rec Skate or Freestyle program, please see a Bird Arena staff member for accommodations. During ACHA D1 Hockey games, please expect louder music, horns when a goal is made, and announcements from the crow's nest.

Flashing/Moving Lights- During ACHA D1 Hockey games, there will be moments (team introductions, ceremonies, etc) when the arena lights are dimmed and flashing/moving colored lights will be in effect. No strobe lights are used.

General Admission Bleacher Seating- All Bird Arena programs and ACHA D1 Hockey games are general admission seating. Bleacher seating does not provide back support. Protective netting and glass is located around the ice surface to help prevent pucks and flying objects. Please remain aware that objects may fly over the protective netting and into the stands.

Animals and Pets- Animals and pets are not permitted inside the arena. Exceptions include service dogs and service dogs in training (4PAWS). For more information, please visit the University Service Animal Information Page.

Food and Drink- Outside food and drink is prohibited inside the arena. Food and beverage permits are required for all special events and must remain in designated event spaces (front lobby/mezzanine). Water fountains are available. Rinkside concessions will be available during ACHA D1 Hockey games.

Accessibility- Accessible and wheelchair seating is available in bleacher sections A and D. Accessible Men’s and Women’s restrooms with baby changing stations located in each. Accessible emergency exits are located through the front lobby. Threshold ramp is available to enter the ice surface- please contact a Bird Arena staff member for ramp assistance.

Parking- There are 3 nearby parking lot options (122, 120, & 134) Lots 122 and 120 are meter spaces, while lot 134 is available for community parking after 5pm M-F and all-day Saturday & Sunday. Lot 120 is the closest distance to the front entrance of the rink. Please note that lot closures may occur during University special events. Accessible parking spaces are available in each lot. To review a campus parking map, please visit the Athens Campus Parking Map.