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 Interactive map of John Rose Minnesota Oval | |
| Location | Roseville,Minnesota,United States |
|---|---|
| Type | outdoor bandy rink |
| Construction | |
| Opened | December 1993 (1993-12) |
TheGuidant John Rose Minnesota Oval (officially stylized as OVAL), formerly theJohn Rose Minnesota Oval, is an outdoorice rink inRoseville,Minnesota,United States. It is claimed to be the largest artificial outdoorskating surface in North America. The facility was constructed from June to December 1993. It was the subject of a $3.9 million renovation project which was set to be completed before the opening of the rink's 29th season on November 18, 2022.[1] It is the home ofbandy in the United States and is used by theUnited States men's national bandy team and theUnited States women's national bandy team.
The rink consists of a 110,000-square-foot (10,000 m2)concrete surface (a 400-meter track surrounding an infield ice arena) with 84 miles (135 km) of embedded cooling tubes and an 800-ton refrigeration system. When the temperature is above 50 °F (10 °C)—the highest temperature at which an icy surface can be maintained—the concrete surface can be used forinline skating.
The Oval had its beginnings in 1983, when then-governorRudy Perpich dreamed of hosting theOlympic Games. As part of the bid preparation, a task force was formed to determine locations of new facilities. After years of local efforts, Roseville was selected. The city was awarded state bonding money for the design and construction of a multi-purpose outdoor skating facility, which opened in December 1993. The facility was named afterJohn Rose, a Roseville teacher, member of theMinnesota House of Representatives, and avid supporter of youth sports.[2]
The Guidant John Rose Minnesota Oval hosted the1995 Bandy World Championship for men and the2006 Women's Bandy World Championship. It has also hostedUS Speedskating Championships,US Junior Speedskating Championships,American Cup Speedskating,World Cup Speedskating,National Bandy Championships, andAggressive Skating Association competitions. TheMinnesota Wild held their hockey jersey unveiling at the Oval, and notable visitors have includedDan Jansen,Bonnie Blair,Paul Wylie, andNeal Broten. The facility is the main training site for theUnited States national bandy team and local hockey and speedskating clubs.
Leaks in the cooling system were discovered in 2004, making the season's service uncertain. In June 2005, theGuidant Foundation contributed $500,000 to allow for needed repairs to the facility's refrigeration system. The Oval's official name was changed in recognition of the Foundation's gift and continuing support.
The Oval hosts over 100,000 guests each year. Sporting events held there includebandy,[3]ice hockey,speed skating, and recreational ice skating. In summer the Oval becomes the largest skating park in the Midwest,[4] as ramps are put up for BMX biking, roller hockey, andaggressive skating. The track is used for inline skating, and a summer skateboard camp is held for beginning to intermediate skateboarders aged 6–13.
I.S.I.-certified ice skating lessons are given by Roseville Skating School in the connected Roseville Ice Arena during the winter months.[5] The Oval also hosts two local speedskating clubs: the Greater Minnesota Speedskating Association and the Midway Speedskating Club. Midway Speedskating Club is a non-profit organization dedicated to developing speedskating skills in young skaters. It has produced Olympic athletes and coaches.[6] A novice speedskating program is put on by the Midway Speedskating Club through the Roseville Parks and Recreation Department for youth aged 4–14.
February 25–27, 2015, theBandy World Championship for girls up to 17 was organised here.[7]
| Events and tenants | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Bandy World Championship Final Venue 1995 | Succeeded by |
| Preceded by | World Junior Speed Skating Championships 1998 | Succeeded by |
| Preceded by | World Junior Speed Skating Championships 2004 | Succeeded by |
| Preceded by | 2016 Women's Bandy World Championship 2016 | Succeeded by |
45°01′18″N93°09′05″W / 45.0216119°N 93.1513381°W /45.0216119; -93.1513381