Hockey Arena Will Be a Game Changer
Frank and Marisa Martire honored for $5 million gift
Sacred Heart University broke ground today on its $70 million hockey and skating arena located on the University’s West Campus in Fairfield, SHU President John J. Petillo announced. “The facility will be home to our Division I men’s and women’s hockey programs, our top-ranked figure skating team and our current men’s club team along with a new women’s program commencing next fall. It is the continuation of a multi-year expansion program to support student growth, engagement and personal development. This facility will serve our student-athletes both on and off the ice,” he said.
Petillo also thanked Frank and Marisa Martire for their gift of $5 million in support of the arena. “We are extremely grateful for Frank and Marisa’s continued generosity to Sacred Heart. They give of their time, their talent and their philanthropy, which is extremely valuable to us," he said. The arena will be named for the Martire family. Frank Martire, a 1969 graduate of Sacred Heart, is chairman of the University’s board of trustees and has an equity interest in the NHL’s Las Vegas franchise, the Vegas Golden Knights. The Martires also supported the Frank & Marisa Martire Center for the Liberal Arts and the Chapel of the Holy Spirit.
The inaugural first pucks will be dropped in mid-January 2023 versus two legendary hockey programs recognized nationally for their academic and NCAA championship accomplishments. The Pioneers’ Division I men’s ice hockey team will host Boston College of the Hockey East Conference on Saturday, January 14. The women’s team will drop their first puck the next day, Sunday January 15, as they host the Harvard University Crimson of the ECAC. Both opponents are annually ranked among the finest intercollegiate programs in the United States.
The 122,158-square-foot facility will include the latest technology in ice management to support the 85’ x 200’ NHL standard rink. Student-athletes will enjoy technologically advanced locker rooms, a world-class strength and conditioning facility designed at a level consistent with the NHL, a comprehensive sports medicine and hydrotherapy suite, a rapid-shot puck room for off-ice training and team film, meeting and lounge spaces. Sacred Heart’s nationally recognized figure skating team will also benefit from a pro-motion training harness in addition to a specifically designed Olympic-level locker room.
“This arena will be a Division I intercollegiate skating cornerstone and one of the best in the Northeast,” said Jim Barquinero, senior vice president, enrollment & athletics, who founded these ice programs during the 1990s. “In addition to providing a sophisticated and beautiful home venue for our teams, it will serve our entire University community and residents throughout the region,” he said. Barquinero also mentioned that the arena will become an educational internship and graduate assistantship learning laboratory for those studying in highly recognized SHU academic disciplines in hospitality, sports communication & media, sport management and marketing.
In addition to guest lectures, concerts and other activities, there will be reserved open skating time available to students, faculty, staff and community members.
“Sacred Heart spent a lot of time focusing on the fan experience,” Barquinero said. “We want this arena to be a destination for fans and families to enjoy cheering on the Pioneers. From fan engagement, youth programs, high school games and open skate, all are welcome.”
As fans enter West Campus, they will first encounter the grand entry plaza, which boasts a contemporary aesthetic, utilizing the finest material finishes to match SHU’s campus architecture. As they continue to the parking garage, ample gameday underground parking with direct access to the spacious entrances will make finding seats both simple and accessible. Fans can catch highlights on the center-hung scoreboard, enjoy enhanced lighting effects and find a personalized jersey that fits just right in the pro shop. The food and beverage experience on the concourse will have favorite gameday foods as well as local brews. Premium seating offers luxury suites and two club rooms overlooking the rink and seating bowl.
Development and construction of the arena is a collaboration among JLG Architects, the SLAM Collaborative, Dimensional Innovations and Consigli Construction. It is located a minute off Exit 46 of the Merritt Parkway for easy access for students and the community.
“This is a historic day, not only for the University, but for our hockey programs,” said C.J. Marottolo, head coach of the men’s ice hockey team. “This arena has NHL amenities with a collegial feel. Our teams and students will have a place to call home, and that really fills my heart.”
“We are so excited for the new arena and what it will do for our team,” said Thomas O’Malley, head coach of the women’s ice hockey team. “It’s going to continue to allow us to recruit and bring in Division I student-athletes here to SHU. This is a destination place, and we welcome students, family and the community to attend an experience that will be second to none.”
“I’m just so thrilled about having a rink on campus,” said Lisa Fedick, head coach of the club figure skating team. “It shows something that I had known for 11 years—the University has tremendous commitment to figure skating and all ice sports. We’re looking forward to taking our program to premier status.”
Photo caption: From left are Juliet Melotto (club figure skating), Mike Zdanowicz (club men's ice hockey), Jordan Sanislo (Division I women's ice hockey), Marc Johnstone, (Division I men's ice hockey), President John Petillo, Marisa and Frank Martire and Big Red.