Nathan Pilling ’29, a forward on the University of St. Thomas Men’s Hockey team, dashes down the ice with the puck and is isolated with the opposing goalie. He slaps the puck and scores the goal. The buzzer goes off as fans, from students, family, staff and alumni, jump and roar with excitement inside the new Lee & Penny Anderson Arena. Seconds later, Pilling’s teammates huddle around him with joy.
This electric scene at the first-ever men’s hockey game on Friday, Oct. 24, is just what the coaches and leaders at St. Thomas anticipated when the university decided to build a 253,000-square-foot hockey and basketball arena on south campus.
Men’s hockey head coach Rico Blasi pointed out that having a home on campus felt different. In the past, fans would drive 20 minutes to Mendota Heights for home games. With a state-of-the-art home arena on campus, they not only can experience an amazing venue but can show their Tommie pride amid all other campus activity.
"This is a monumental day for the University of St. Thomas and St. Thomas athletics," said Phil Esten, vice president and director of Intercollegiate Athletics, during a private reception for donors ahead of the inaugural women’s and men’s double-header games against Providence College. “This facility will provide a transformational experience for our student-athletes as we continue to push forward as a Division I institution, while serving as an important asset for economic development and a new landmark for community engagement."
Coach Rico Blasi was pleased with the fan turnout. “What a crowd,” he said. “Our student section was unbelievable. Our fan base, the energy in the building ... that’s what college hockey and athletics is all about.”
Fan Ryan Langer ’29, suited in purple-and-white-striped suspenders, had a front-row view, feet away from Pilling after the goal. “This place is electric,” Langer said.
Amid chants of “Let’s Go Tommies,” the Tommies locked up a tie, eventually winning in shoot-outs.
The inaugural games at Lee & Penny Anderson Arena began with the St. Thomas women’s hockey team facing off against Providence. Down 5-2, the Tommies scored four consecutive goals in the third period to take a 6-5 lead. Ultimately, they lost the game 7-6 in overtime but bounced back the following day to win 5-1. Women’s hockey captain Rylee Bartz ’27 definitely noticed the energy at Friday night’s game hit differently than past home games.
“It was awesome,” said Bartz, who is originally from Fargo, North Dakota. “The atmosphere, the parents, the fans that showed up for us to make this day so special was incredible.”
The venue, which can seat 4,000 spectators for hockey games and 5,300 for basketball, reflects the campus's Gothic Revival architectural heritage with the iconic Kasota stone on the exterior and integrates modern sports-venue elements inside. St. Thomas is pursuing LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council as Lee & Penny Anderson Arena is one of the greenest athletic facilities in the nation.
This transformative project was made possible through the largest single gift ever to a Minnesota university: a $75 million donation from philanthropists Lee and Penny Anderson. More than 35 additional benefactors came forward to complete the project’s fundraising goal.
Beyond an ice rink on campus, this arena has all the bells and whistles inside. For spectators, there’s the official team store called Tommie's Locker Room, various seating options from suites to loge boxes, and plenty of premium beverage and dining options at the Legacy Club, Capital Club and Reuben’s. For the student-athletes, there’s an additional practice rink and practice courts, team lounges and locker rooms, weight room and athletic training room for health and rehabilitation.
St. Thomas is planning to use this venue for commencement ceremonies, career fairs and other community events. Additionally, St. Thomas is preparing to partner with local schools, youth sports organizations, area businesses and nonprofits to transform the arena into a neighborhood hub.
St. Thomas men's and women's basketball programs will open their 2025-26 home schedule on Saturday, Nov. 8, at Lee & Penny Anderson Arena. The Tommies will host Army West Point, the alma mater of philanthropist Lee Anderson, the arena’s namesake.
