RENOVATIONS COMPLETE Lake Placid enjoying an Olympic region renaissance
BY CHRISTIE SAUSA
One of the most historic figure skat- ing venues in the country, the Lake Placid Olympic Center has undergone several ad- ditions, renovations and upgrades over its nearly century-long history, but perhaps none as comprehensive as the most recent revitalization effort which began in 2019. The renovations were completed by the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA), the state authority that manages the Olympic venues, and includ- ed vital upgrades to the Olympic Center’s arenas, a new “link” building, Miracle Plaza, that includes shopping and dining venues; and a fully updated Lake Placid Olympic Museum. The $104 million Lake Placid Olympic Center renovation project was completed in December of 2022. Over the last six years, the State has invested $550 million in the former Olympic facilities to reinstate the region as a winter sports and events destination. The last major renovation was from 1977–79 in preparation for the 1980 Olym- pic Winter Games, and yielded two new rinks, the 1980 Herb Brooks Arena and the USA practice rink, a refrigerated Olympic Speed Skating Oval and renovations to the existing 1932 and Lussi rinks. Both the 1980 and 1932 arenas were renovated to meet modern standards and enhance amenities while also preserv- ing the unique feel of the venues. New scoreboards (and a jumbotron in the 1980 arena), seating, concessions, restrooms, locker rooms, refrigeration, HVAC systems, concourse areas, high-efficiency LED lighting, and fully electric Zambonis have transformed the spaces into modern
Teams get ready to compete inside the newly renovated 1980 Herb Brooks Arena.
showpieces for inspiring skating events. Fun fact: the famous red 1980 chairs have been completely replaced but are made by the same company as the original chairs. The James C. Sheffield Speed Skating Oval was originally not refrigerated and served as the site not only for the speed skating events, but of the 1932 Olympic Opening Ceremonies. Later, it was refriger- ated for the 1980 Olympic Games. In 2021, it received a new refrigeration system, an entirely new track base, a modern entry plaza for ceremonies and spectators, updated flagpoles and 1980 Parade of Nations, environmentally friendly LED lighting, a new hockey box, and a new support building, which brings it up to international standards and enables it to host premier speed skating events once again. The museum and shop are nestled within the Miracle Plaza, previously the “link” building, that connects the 1932 and 1980 wings of the Olympic Center build- ing. The Plaza graciously welcomes guests into its impressive lobby where they can
view the original 1980 scoreboard on dis- play, visit the newly designed museum and the shop, or go upstairs to see the new dining space. The stylish, contemporary dining area offers plenty of space for dining and relaxing while taking in sweeping views of the Olympic Oval and the ski jumps from the new balconies. Throughout the building, this clean, modern vibe continues with brighter, breezier hallways and updated signage and informational plaques that convey Lake Placid’s unique stories. The Lake Placid Olympic Center is in its new era, and this is reflected in every detail. What remains consistent is Lake Placid’s dedication to preserving and cel- ebrating its history while moving forward into future sustainably. This is reflected in its practices, which includes the ultra-effi- cient refrigeration systems, the use of the excess heat provided by said systems to melt snow on sidewalks outside the facili- ty, electric Zambonis and LED lighting. This ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships 2023 is one of the first of many high-profile figure skating events returning to the Olympic Center, but it won’t be the last. The Olympic region renaissance has begun and will provide countless competitive, training, recreation- al and tourism opportunities for decades to come. Renovations to the 1932 Arena make it an ideal venue for major events.
Spectators can enjoy a picturesque view inside Roamers Cafe and Bar in the new Mira- cle Plaza, that connects the 1932 and 1980 arenas.
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