Ralph Engelstad Arena Reviews

This is the most elaborate and beautiful hockey arena complex that I have toured. Any collegiate who wants to play hockey in style with amazing locker rooms and facilities should consider playing hockey at this school.

You name the event, it looks and sounds great in this arena!! World-Class amenities for hockey players and fans! I've been here for several concerts and the acoustics are AMAZING! Great staff and great catering department! Haven't had a bad wedding meal!! Cheers!

Comfortable seats, decently priced concessions, and a very nice place to walk around. Attended a hockey game and really enjoyed ourselves.

Visiting in SEPT means no opportunity to see a hockey game, but we did go on the $3 tour. It was worth seeing the sights even though we could not see the locker rooms due to regulations that they are unavailable during training. What a gorgeous venue and it was fun to sit in one of the suites as it will probably be the only time I've set foot in a suite. It made me want to fly back to see a game.

Also, a tip - the Englestad gift shop has many items with the Sioux face on them, which the bookstore does not.

Beautiful arena. Great representation of the mighty Fighting Sioux. Would love to revisit and see another game.

My two boys, ages 9 ages 7, went to watch University of North Dakota hockey vs Alabama on a Saturday night. Ralph has updated their jumbotron, it is huge. Great atmosphere!

The atmosphere, the food, the fans, the band, all of it. If you ever get a chance to take in a University of North Dakota hockey game in this facility, it is fantastic! I have been to a few NHL arenas, but none that have the feel of the Ralph!

Came here for two nights of hockey in February and loved it. I was nervous that sitting in the way upper section was going to be a bad view, but there isn't a bad view in the place. We could see everything but didn't feel like we were so far away we couldn't enjoy ourselves. The second night a friend gave us her season tickets and that same night we got to go to one of the VIP boxes, so we got to experience it all, and no matter where we were, we were happy with our seats. Beautiful venue.

the atmosphere is another! If you have the chance to go to a UND hockey game while in town, then it's a must! Not to mention, many of the players you will watch will end up in the NHL. The arena is fun and makes for a great night in Grand Forks, ND.

We were at the arena in a lobby area for a wedding reception. The facility is beautiful with the marble floors and architecture. The food was good and the reception went without any problems. It was temperature cool in there since it is an ice arena, so I was glad to have my sweater. There were all ages there including children, about 150-200.

We went here for the Manitoba Moose vs The Iowa Wild.
Seats were amazing and comfortable. Food was excellent,parking amazing and reasonably priced.
My only complaint was that the camera guy who stands between the benches blocked the net a few times and it actually caused us to miss a goal.

Simply the nicest arena ever built. As the NY Times described it, it IS "The Palace on the Prairie" !

There is not a bad seat in the house for hockey or a concert. So much fun to go there for hockey whether it's for high school class A tournaments or the Fighting Hawks. Great

The best hockey arena I've ever been to. Beautiful building and not a bad seat in the house.. Staff and facility exceeds my expectations. Love UND

The Ralph is a good family night out, some of the best hockey you will see, good seats, and food and a very outstanding building. Don't miss this one.

Worth the drive just to see this hockey Taj Mahal. Love, love, love the Fighting Sioux logos everywhere. Such a shame UND was forced to change their name.

Having been to this arena many times, it's a great place to see hockey. Whether it be the University of North Dakota or an event put on by the IIHF, the arena never fails to be a top rate place to see a game. The concourse is tremendous with many food options at your disposal, the seating is quite amazing with very few bad seats in the building, and the staff is away courteous when you're around. Prices are typical arena prices (a bit on the high side), but that goes with most arenas. Very soild visit, very clean arena, and they take pride in making it an amazing experience.

Had a fantastic time at the game. Very entertaining. State of the art venue with great viewing from any seat. The emotional presence when watching the home team play is outstanding! Great fans and traditions! A must see.

Had the pleasure of attending a Sioux game here in October. I have no personal connections to the team or area, but my extended family does. First, no matter your beliefs, this venue is first class to a degree not seen in places like New York or Los Angeles and I have attended events both places and lived in Los Angeles for 17 years. The granite concourses are more beautiful than any other venue I've seen and the services offered as good or better than what I experienced many times in LA at Staples Center. Second, I appreciate the tributes to the Sioux Chiefs in the arena and it is sad to me that certain urban/NCAA 'intellectuals' can't appreciate and understand the sincerity the alumni, students, fans and local Sioux have to those tributes. I can't wait until I attend my next game!

You just don't come here to watch the Fight Sioux play and win NCAA college hockey games.... you come to see a colossal monument to the biggest sport at the University of North Dakota... Fighting Sioux Hockey! This has to be the most incredible gift that any one person/alumni has given to a university. "Thank you, Ralph Engelstad!" If you are planning your first game at The Ralph, get here early and be sure to walk around lower and upper levels. Be ready to spend a lot of $$$ to see a game. Tickets are not cheap. Beers are not cheap. You will spend a lot of $$$ fast with a family of 4-5. Check out all of the vendors. Get some Bavarian Almonds.... if you can't find them, put your nose in the air and follow the sweetness. If your sniffer doesn't work well, you'll find them on the lower level in the Northeast corner, just outside of the main offices. You'll be glad that you did! If you can swing a tour of The Ralph, DO IT! It really is an incredible arena... second to NONE! GO SIOUX!

always enjoy the hockey here. if you are looking at going down for a game look early due to sellouts

Attending a hockey game at the REA is a great experience. The atmosphere is great. Have also attended events there and they are great also.

College athletes have to be wooed to a particular University, so there is a LOT of money spent on facilities to attract these teens. The Ralph is an elegant palace built for the team that Mr. Englestad played for many years ago. He made a fortune in real estate and donated about $100 million to build this lovely place. The tour takes a bit over an hour and takes you through the various levels. At $3, it is a bargain. The tour guide, Grace, is a great hockey fan and a Grand Forks native.

We went to the arena for the Eric Church concert in January. It was spotless around the whole place and the amount of security and police there was unreal. Very well organized and professional arena.

We LOVE LOVE LOVE our hockey games and the Arena is one of the best around to go to. Buy your tickets early to get the best seats!

Yup, here it is. First class in every way. A gift to the University of North Dakota by renowned alumnus, Ralph Engelstad, this venue is worth a visit for any reason. Maybe a hockey game (who figured?), concert, basketball game or many other attractions. GO SIOUX!

If you have the opportunity to catch a game in this facility, take it up! You will never see another hockey arena as classy as this one. Beautiful inside as well as out. Lots of memorabilia, a great souvenior shop and lots of eats to choose from. No seat is a bad seat in this "palace on the prairie". Lots of "public parking" around the arena if you don't have the "parking pass" required for games. Don't pass up the opportunity to see such a beautiful facility if you are a hockey buff. You can call and make arrangements for tours.

This is such a wonderful arena for hockey and other activities. We have attended concerts, the Shrine Circus, and of course, several UND hockey games. The seats are comfortable and the sound is great! Best arena around!

Even if you hate hockey this place is a must see in Grand Forks. Check it out and cheer for the Sioux.

I work at the Palace on the Prairie. This is a gorgeous place to watch a hockey game, a concert, the Shrine Circus, and so much else. Our staff is top-notch, and will work with you and for you. There is a lot to see and do.

We took our hockey group there to skate one night and they got to put there skates on in the visitors locker room! They had a blast!

This is the cadillac of arenas..NHL should take notice! Top quality everything....marble in the foyer..yes! This arena has a foyer!!

I visited the Ralph for the first time and was amazed at the quality of the building and staff while attending my grandson's wedding. It is a great tribute to the UND hockey team past and present. The staff did a great job preparing the meal and serving over 100 guests. The food was excellent and the atmosphere amazing. Hats off to the Ralph.

Such a great venue for hockey and any other event. Beautiful building with great fans and history! You will not be disappointed.

We had been to the Souix shop several times, but had not been inside the arena. The staff at the Souix Shop was gracious enough to grant us a quick look. This facility rivals professional venues. The generosity of the Engelstad family in leaving such a legacy gift is inspirational. This is a must see facility. I would have liked to have seen a game, but the team was out of town during our visit.

This place is awesome but the seats are very uncomfortable - no leg room. The sound isn't the best for concerts also.

The arena is a masterpiece of architecture! The events are great! Enjoyed Sioux-Gopher Hockey this year!

My husband and I were absolutely amazed!!!! It is an outstanding arena!! It is an absolute must see!!

I was on vacation in Grand fork, only to find people in this town breath and eat hokey. So I paid a visit to the Arena and yes now i know why people of Grand Fork are very proud of the hokey team. I just want to said thanks to Russ Schimidt for take me to the arena and the lady who guide me during the tour.yos

The most beautiful hockey arena in the country. There is nothing negative about it at all - everything is excellent; from the ticket takers to the concession workers to the staff that work the suite level to the security - this is a first class operation.

This is my first time there, my sister took us over to see it. Very impressive! We weren't able to go into the arena, but we checked out the Sioux shop and the entrance.

This is by far the best facility I've ever seen for a college hockey game! Just walking in will blow your mind with marble floors. Entering the arena will also impress you that you have to experience for yourself where words are hard to get a total sense of. You wil not be disappointed!

One of the nicest hockey arenas you will ever experience...including the pros!
This is a must see and the gift shop is well stocked too.
Very impressive....hockey heaven!

This arena is excellent in every way. Very clean. Staff is friendly. Not a bad seat anywhere. Electric environment for hockey games! Almost better than NHL!

Just great. They played two hours with no break and warmup bands played three hours. The facilities were great with wonderful views and comfortable seats. Parking was easy and only $10.

Mind blowing experience! Not a bad seat in the arena. Many different food options available. Many different drink options. Beautiful interior. There aren't enough good things to say about it. If you are going for hockey parking is a challenge for sure, but once you get to the building it is amazing.

What a great experience, there's nothing like watching a UND (Sioux) game at The Engelstad...everything about it was fantastic, awesome atmosphere, tons of history, it's a memorable place to visit!

Beautiful arena--stairs in upper level are steep and not easy to move in and out of the rows. Concession food is priced the same as bigger venues although they have a great variety of food.

No doubt this Palace is a must see for anyone passing through Grand Forks, ND. This $104,000,000+ facility opened in 2002 thanks to the generosity of the Engelstad Family. You will be in aw with your first step into the Ralph, from the granite floors, to the 50 luxury suites, & my favorite 2-enormous club rooms on both ends of the rink. "The Las Vegas of Ice Arena's" There is no better venue to watch a hockey game or take in a concert, this place is amazing!

The Ralph is so unique & always fun! The food, music & general atmosphere, especially UND hockey is fun for all ages.

If you've never been then you need to go. Just do it...sign yourself up for the tour. You'll be happy you did. It is such an impressive venue that Mr. Engelstad funded. His unwavering support for this institution is amazing and something that continues to instill pride within the students, administration, as well as the community in general. It's a beautiful arena that is much more than just an ice arena.

As Wayne Gretzky once said: "The most beautiful arena in North America" An anazing experience watching our daughter play there. Definitely worth a visit and the university bookstore close by is also woth a visit.

Great game against team USA. Cheap tickets on the glass! Found lots of goodies in the Sioux Shop. Many great food options could easily just have dinner here before a game or concert come early to watch the band near section 105 area.

If you haven't experienced Fighting Sioux hockey in this arena, then you don't know hockey. This place is better and nicer than most pro arenas.

Looking for something out of the ordinary to do while in Grand Forks ? Call the Ralph to inquire about tour times. We had a behind the scenes tour, very interesting. It is more than just looking an arena. A lot of facts and interesting tidbits about The Ralph, UND Hockey and events. It is way more than just a Hockey Rink.

This is quite an arena, and we didn't get to tour the whole thing. Leather seats in the Ralph, and plenty of leg room. The training rooms, etc., are all very impressive. They run a good hockey camp for kids in the summer.

So I like hockey but really don't care about UND or its hockey team. But I'm in town visiting a friend who lives here and she really wanted to go so we did. And it turns out it is worth the $7. Our tour ended up taking 2 hours even though most literature says it is an hour. Our guide was thorough, really knows the history and could easily answer questions. The tour involves much walking and some stairs so mobility-challenged people may struggle. The most fascinating part of the tour for me was seeing the video about what is in the boys' private section (kitchen, classrooms, workout equipment including underwater treadmills, cold pools, recreation equipment, and so much more). This facility puts many pro arenas to shame.

This is probably the best hockey facility in the world. Marble floors, leather seats, with all seats having a good view of the ice. Nice shop to purchase clothing or other memorabilia.

You wont find a better hockey arena. It's nicer than every NHL arena. The inside is mainly marble. They have a huge bar built into both ends of the stadiums upper level. It's impossible not to be impressed. The Ralph is basically hockey's Mecca. If you've never watched college hockey, give it a try. It's a great sport, under appreciated, but absolutely wonderful.
Go Sioux!

We attend all the men's hockey games, concerts, shows, etc. This is a beautiful top notch arena. There is a lot of history displayed here. It is beautifully decorated with granite,cherry wood and leather seating. They also host the Shrine Circus, women's hockey and men's and women's basketball. The energy felt here is contageous.There is quite a variety of concessions for food and drinks. Outside food and drinks are not allowed. We have the pleasure of enjoying a suite, which houses a bathroom, bar and regular seating, a fridge, sink, a couch, and tv. General seating though is very comfortable. The staff is always pleasant. There are bands that play in between periods on the main level you can listen to. There are escalators, stairs, or elevators. Take home some memorabilia and visit the Sioux Shop--they have loads of goodies!

Great value with very a variety of entertainment! Price and food was reasonable and environment was comfortable.

I went to college at UND and spend more nights than I can count at the REA. The crowd had such power and passion, making the experience amazing! I would give it all 5's for everything. They have live music before the game. There are many food options to choose between. Even if you have the elevated seats, it still an awesome experience.

Nice venue. Small in size but big enough to fill for a concert. Easily accessible. Love the daquari shack!!

We were able to visit the arena with our Granddaughter who is a senior at the university. There is a shop there called the Sioux Shop. Lot of great items to buy with the old school logo. The campus is set up so it does not appear to be as large as it is. Hockey that night Sioux vs Vermont. Lots of fun

This is a great place to watch hockey! There is not a bad seat in the house and the atmosphere is wonderful. You feel like you are in a box seat even when you are in the normal seats. This is a great place to visit even if there isn't a game going on.

We lucked into some weekend tickets. Everything was great! Security getting in was very nice and friendly. The band before the game was excellent. The Sioux Shop had many goodies we had to take home. We found the 'good' beer vendor and it was great!! Everyone had wonderful seats. I love the Ralph, plenty of bathrooms and plenty of vendors all over!!

Some of the nicest people in an arena. They were super friendly and offered a tour of the amazing facility. They appreciate and support military members.

Great experience, very nice staff, food was excellent (prime rib on a bun) Not a bad seat in the house.

The game experience is second to none. Marble everywhere. Leather seats. Food and drink is a little spendy though. I would eat before you go Parking can be a bit tough if Sioux are playing. We took a bus from a local restaurant who dropped us off at front door and was waiting after game. Many bars and restaurants have buses. The Sioux shop had huge selection of clothing for all ages.

I can't remember who was playing the UND hockey team. The facility is very impressive. The shop is very nice and full of jackets, gloves, etc. Lots of excitement with the fans. So fun to see all the Sioux jerseys.

Love going to the Ralph!
The staff are great at the arena, friendly and efficient when entering. The security checks the bags and the ticket scanners work great.
The doors are all around the arena so no matter where you park it's easy to enter and exit.
The arena is clean and the bathrooms are spotless!
No bad seat in the place!

Always a fantastic venue to watch hockey. If your going to eat or enjoy a beverage come with plenty of money as it's a sport's venue that knows how to charge you. With that said there are lots of great choices.

UND fan or not, everyone needs to experience at least one hockey game at the Ralph Englestad Arena. This place is like no other. Don't forget to take the tour too! They go out at 1:30 (I believe) during the week days. There is no other arena like it. They have great food (including the Red Pepper) and great drinks. Plus whats better than watching some great hockey?

College students, coworkers, families, everyone will have a good time at the Ralph.

The Engelstad is amazing. Beautiful arena, not a bad seat in the house. It will always be the home of the Fighting Sioux!

The Ralph is a monument in Grand Forks, providing comfortable seats all around the arena, and a big variety of kiosks and food venders.

the boys were extremely excited to play in such an elaborate rink. They will remember it for years to come.

Kids enjoyed playing in the arena, and the seats at the Ralph were very comfortable. There were plenty of parking close to the Arena. The arena is close to most of the hotels and the largest waterpark in the state.

This is a superb venue for hockey. The Ralph is better than some NHL arenas. Seats are comfortable. Food is good for arena food and not too high priced. The hockey is usually great as well.

Beautiful arena!!! What a great experience, to tour it and if you have kids that play hockey they can play on the ice through the Hockey academy.

If you have never been to the "Ralph", pick any event and go. This is how to build an arena that many large cities should copy. This place is so beautiful when you eat peanuts you feel you should put the shells back in the the bag so as not to leave a mess on the floor.

Missed the 1:30 PM tour, but was most impressed with what we saw -- leather seats! Supposed to be the world's largest?? Took 2 years to build @ $104 million. Ralph Engelstad was a Las Vegas businessman who got the ball rolling on this facility. First class all the way.

Amazing facility - top notch. It was clean and nicely laid out with great viewing from all seats. Staff were kind and helpful

Every winter, my brother-in-law's recreational hockey league gets invited to a Tournament at the Ralph Englestad in GF. This year we were able to tag along and although there ice time got moved from Saturday to 2 hrs playing time on Sunday, I marveled at the intricacies and details in this arena. There was a cozy feel with understated elegance to the place. I love the homage to the Fighting Sioux logos and was glad that some of this was allowed to be maintained in the building. It was a clean facility and we ran into a gentleman who ran the concessions who I think was named Gerry but I may be wrong. What is right is how he took the time to find out where we are from and how we liked the facility and how the wife and daughter of Ralph Englestad still sit on the Board. We cheered like crazy for our men from Winnipeg and felt like we owned the place! I would love to check out a concert or higher level (sorry Longsticks, et al) hockey someday.

This place is a palace. There is not a bad seat in the house. The atmosphere is electric and the beer is cold! Also, since you're watching the FIGHTING SIOUX, you're always going to see good hockey.

I have been here twice now and the seats are very comfortable, but the real draw is that you can sit at the very top of the arena and still see everything well. Good food options including Red Pepper (a local favorite).

I love the Ralph! Hockey games and concerts are always phenomenal! My friends and I always go to the home games and love that you have so much to offer such as food and drinks!

I went to school at UND years ago and finally made it back to bring my two kiddos to a game. Loved seeing how well everything is being taken care of, looked as new as the year it opened.

If you get the chance, come see the "Ralph". The Sioux Indian head painted or etched in marble is cool, Also the bronze statue of an Indian on a horse is very interesting. The Fighting Hawks Hockey is also fun to watch.

My son attended a weeklong hockey camp at REA and I don't know who enjoyed it more, him or us. We took the tour of this beautiful arena and were amazed by the attention to detail and the short history of this arena. Worth the time to visit!

Who would have thoughta college would have an arena like this and tho think Engelstadt built an arena for his high school too! Well wroth the cost tour the facility.

This is the premier college hockey arena in the country and did not disappoint! Our friends were as enthralled with the beauty of the entire facility as the story behind its construction. All out-of-towners should visit!

A+++++ arena. 100 million dollars and worth every penny. Great food, great drinks, great atmosphere. Best part is FIGHTING SIOUX hockey!

What a beautiful arena! Pristine inside and out! Many happy times for our son here for Hockey games during his college times. We can't thank you all enough.

If you are a hockey fan and do not visit this place when you visit Grand Forks, you are missing out! I have never been on the tour, but as a current student at UND I have gone to many, many hockey games here. Hockey night is sacred to the student body. The arena lights up in full glory, students don their hockey jerseys and together with their closest friends head there for a night of laughs, good food and HOCKEY! :) The minute you enter this arena, you are overwhelmed with the sounds and smells. There are many different food stands including,but not limited to, Dipp'in Dots, Little Caesars Pizza, Tim Horton's, etc. You can go to the Red Pepper stand and get some of the best mexican food in the city. You can also head to the food stand by the stairs and escalators and get an AMAZING roast beef sandwich.They prepare the meat fresh that day and carve it in front of you while also piling chips and your choice of side salad onto your plate. I prefer to go to the Slapshot Grill on the first floor and I get the chili fries which are to die for! As for seating, I have sat on every level and have NEVER had a bad view. I do prefer to sit on the third level because the food stands and bathrooms are close by. The hockey game is a powerful experience. The lights go down, the iconic music comes on, and you can feel the UND pride in the air. The only thing that isn't fun about this place, is the amount of traffic after the game. Seriously, hang around and wait a bit before you try to leave or leave early. :)

This place is first class - attention to detail and history. Top college rink in the nation. Would highly recommend to college hockey enthusiasts.

This facility is a gem. This arena rivals pro rinks. The history, construction, logos and tremendous statues at the front entrance all add to the great experience. This arena epitomizes team and community spirit. If in the area it is a must visit location.

I've been coming to this arena since it opened and every year they produce top teams in the country year after year. Always exciting and great time!

Has aged well since our last visit. Tour is less inclusive as well. Our first time through, we were able to see more of the UND hockey team's facilities.

Went here for a school function and rented the main arena. Was a fantastic experience. Before we went skating, we toured the locker rooms and got a little background info. Was good fun, and i'd recommend everyone getting the experience!

Awesome! Had a skating competition here and was great! Kids loved it and said it was a really cool rink. Very spacious and large! One bad thing is that they wouldn’t let you go through one of the doors, and it’s freezing cold so if you made that mistake, you had to go back out and find the other door.

Went on a tour and also attended a hockey game later the same day . Place is just beautiful, functional , and first class ... nothing has been left out to make the players and the fans have the best experience possible. Take a tour to really experience what went into making and maintaining this one of a kind facility

I have been going to games at the Ralph since I was a toddler. The new rink is first class. Always clean, easy to navigate and so fun to experience!

Beautiful, clean arena; great sports fans. A lot of food options. Fun merchandise to purchase. Good beer!

A great hockey experience and such a great school to experience it in! The arena is almost NHL size and has a lot more vendors than most would expect. College hockey is very underrated, but if you can get a ticket to a UND hockey game, it's something that you can't help but enjoy the fast-pace, hard hitting, and unpredictable sport!

The Best and nicest hockey rink ever went to a hockey tournament at very clean. The Best rink ever watched a hockey game at every seat seems to be great viewing area plus had a tour of the rink and would believe would be one of the best facilities even better than most NHL rinks just awesome

Great if you like HOCKEY. I only attended 1 hockey game, but have been to other activities there. A fairly large venue for events. Clean and definitely lets you know who it belongs to.

Grace our tour guide was an absolute hoot. The venue is amazing.....wish we could have seen the amazing player facilities but the rumor is that they used to take people through the workout, training and locker room areas but yahoos screwed around (I heard stole stuff) and now the tours don't go there. The tour is still worth it even without those parts. $3 for adults and kids 12 and older. Tour runs M-F at 1:30 starts and ends in the Sioux Shop. What a facility....such an amazing gift/blessing to the University, student athletes and community!!!!

Atmosphere, Friendly Service, Value, overall experience you'll see in a Sports venue is "The Best"
Go "Fighting Sioux!"

A must visit for college hockey lovers! Premium hockey facility. Daily tours available during the week to see some behind the scenes areas. Every game is a good time to be had!

Our kids team (9yo) got to play a game here on the weekend, as part of a tournament. The facilities were high end, especially for a university team.

A must see! Top of the line in hockey arenas. Lots of history and beautiful ! Usually a tour Monday through Friday at 1:30 for a price.

If you have not been there, you need to add this to your bucket list. There is not a bad seat in this arena and you cannot beat Fighting Sioiux Hockey!

My son attended the JPL Goalie Camp. We have had a lovely experience and the attention he has received has been FANTASTIC. He is learning so much and he is making some great friendships. This is our first goalie camp experience and we will return!

The Ralph is a great facility and a fun atmosphere. I prefer to have a seat high to get the full impact of a hockey game.

I'm not an ice rink aficionado, but this is a nice place. The seats are comfortable and the bathrooms are spacious. Laugh if you must, but when you've got 9000 people trying to hit the bathroom in less than 20 minutes, you'll be thankful for them too.
Take some time and walk around or get a tour during the day. It's pretty incredible to see.

One of the best venues in all hockey. The seating, though nicely cushioned, are confining for the large or tall.
Our foreign visitors are always amazed at the beautiful decor.

Great state of the art facility for hockey and basketball. Comfortable leather seating with individual cup holders. Lots of amenities.
Acoustics for concerts not ideal but you can't beat the atmosphere. Good parking and always shuttles available.

Great atmosphere for college hockey! I would suggest doing the shuttle parking. Be sure to bring 10 bucks cash to get your car parked. Very convenient.

This is truly the premiere hockey venue in the world! From the marble floors to the leather seats...you will enjoy watching a game at the Ralph!

Ralph Englestad built a beautifully appointed and decorated hockey arena. It is also used for concerts and other events, but it was primarily designed for hockey. You can purchase many different things at their concession stands, but their prices are quite high and the parking fees are outrageous. I don't know if the parking lots are part of the facility or if they are a separate venue.

We went to a UND hockey game while in Grand Forks and we are super impressed with the facility!! The seats are amazing - not a bad one in the house!!

Excellent facility, well organized. The food and drink selection was a bit more broad than most facilities. Seating arrangement was well thought out. I think they actually put some thought into not selling the seats were attendees view would be obstructed. Very fqair ticket prices.

love how state of the art the venue is the workers were very helpful and nice hope to see a show here sometime

I was visiting the UND campus where I graduated from some years ago, spending some time in the new Gorecki Alumni Center when I asked about getting a tour of the "Ralph." I wasn't able to do the organized 1:30 PM tour but I got a private tour at 2:30. This place is magnificent, seating for over 11,000 on leather seats and backs, every seat seems to be a good one. The architecture of the whole complex is very nice, way beyond what is expected for a "hockey rink."

My next visit will be for a game.

This place is one fine home for North Dakota Hockey.

Wow! What an amazing Venue. We went to the game to help them beat an attendance record. They did and we had a great time. The hockey was good and the facility is world class!

Great sightlines, comfortable seats.....knowledgeable hockey fans. Very impressive facility! Hard to believe this is a college arena. I've been in NHL rinks that this place could runs circles around. WOW!! They do a tour of the whole building every weekday for around $1.50. It is worth the money to listen to the history and hear the stories behind the beautiful facility.

Such an impressive building and super people that work there! The store has such a great variety of merchandise and it is all high quality. The hockey games were so much fun with lots of action both during the games & in between.

Such a great place! Truly a gem of Grand Forks! The seats are comfortable the environment is friendly and everyone keeps the evening exciting! I will definitely go back!

The best looking ice arena so far I have seen in my life.
We did not attend a hockey game, but we spent the weekend visiting for ice skating competition. We were able to explore the entire building except for locker rooms.

This place looks and smells with hockey history.
it is beautiful, seats are comfortable, they have 2 bars on 3rd floor.. just amazing. We were glad to visit it, hopefully we can come back to watch a Fighting Sioux hockey game.

One of the top 10 places in the world for hockey! Number one logo in the hockey world,until two years ago when it was changed due to cultural differences.

This building is awesome! If your a hockey fan you should definately go here and watch a game.The fan base here is also probably the best college hockey fan base around.

All my dad could talk about was touring The Engelstad so was not excited, but I have to say it's impressive! Can't say I've been at any university facility that's as incredibly built! Hockey and hockey players are treated as god here. Every seat in the arena is leather with cup holders with $8 million worth of flooring marble. It even has 2 rinks so the players can practice on an Olympic size rink before they play the 5 colleges in the states with larger rinks. Got a bit long at the end of the 2 hour tour but Grace was excellent!

Awesome stadium!!! And what a party!!!! great place great time!!!!HIghly suggest catching a mens or womens game if in the area. Stadium is even worth just visiting when the teams out of town.

A college Hockey Arena with Sky Boxes, leather seat in the entire stadium, first class sound system and acoustics, and beautifully built. the food around the arena is pretty good for the most part. Beers are available. like most stadiums, both are over priced. If you get a chance to see a college hockey game there, don't miss it.

A large arena dedicated to UND Hockey. Fans are excited and the student section is always fun. Leather seats and a good view from anywhere.

My family attended a Sioux game last weekend and found the Ralph to be in unbelievable hockey venue...from the first class seating to the $6.00 big beers this is incredible.There is a rich history of the coming about of the arena and I recommend one and all to tour it.

Wowza!!! Saw Eric Church at this facility. AWESOME!! What a beautiful facility. Can't wait to take in other events. What a venue!! Truly takes your breath away, and especially the history behind it. Ralph Engelstad, what a truly phenomenal person.

Best of the Best, absolutely Amazing, can't say enough how great this Arena is!! Glad I had the opportunity to see it in person!!

The premier hockey arena of the area is second to none. Fun food choices and typical to interesting drinks. All seats are cherry wood/leather. Floors have marble inlay from India with hundreds of Sioux logo's scattered through-out the building. This building is first class and quite unexpected as the "Palace on the Prairie"......the hockey team ain't bad either :)

We caught a game with our grown kids. This is one of the best places to watch a hockey game. It was a great night.

This stadium is par with professional stadiums and arenas... RE outdid himself and UND alum are grateful. I've also been to a few concerts in the Betty.....

Take a guided tour, terrific arena, the people who have the privelege to play sport here are blessed.

Nice arena but difficult for getting to upper seating when accompanied with someone with limited physical abilities. Parking was adequate but some distance to travel. UND has some very loyal fans!

Walking through this majestic place is awesome. Every person visiting Grand Forks must take the tour. Fighting Souix forever my wife is an Almuni and I went 97-98.

the ralph is a must visit place. it is over a 100 million dollar arena. they have tours monday through friday at 130 pm except for event days. all granite walkways and every seat is leather with cherry wood trim.

The U of ND Homecoming game was a fun activity to attend on Thanksgiving weekend. After sitting outside to watch most football games it was interesting to be in this building, sheltered from any kind of weather to watch a football game. The weather happened to be quite nice but in November and December being inside will be great! Good building for watching games of all kinds.

It was great and fun seeing the very first UND hockey game. The fans are wonderful and supportive. Our tickets were a bit high up there but that is all there was.

What a beautiful place. Almost forget why your there. Then the puck drops and the excitement is unreal. This is a must see

Grand Forks is a small town but the people here are crazy for hockey. Kids here learn to skate before they learn to walk! Ralph Engelstad, former UND goal tender and Los Vegas casino owner, built this modern facility at cost of about 100 million dollars in the late nineties. Considered the best among the arenas in the country, the arena hosts many world class tournaments and college games. Lavishly built with granite floors, leather seats etc, the arena was also at the center of controversy during the logo issue. The University of North Dakota is a several times national champion in hockey, but the fans are still waiting for the first win after this arena was built!

Grand Forks is a Hockey Town and The Fighting Sioux are one of the best teams in the Nation. Plan a night or two and watch the finest hockey. Excitement throughout the evening.

This should be one of your destinations if you come to Grand Forks. Just simply the view and dedication put into this building is a great look. The rich heritage of the University of North Dakota and its hockey program has been well preserved here. Not to mention the additional add on buildings and improvements over the years. A must see.

Palace on the Prairie! This is the Nicest Hockey arena in all the Country! Marble everywhere, clean, Amazing sights and sounds! This is a Must see! Take a tour, shop at the Gift shop, or watch the Number #1 College Hockey Team in the USA!

Played in a Bantam tournament over the weekend. Very nice, warm arena. Not a bad seat in the place. Good concessions. Lots of parking.

Awesome venue for UND Hockey! Hardly a line for bathrooms, concessions easily available - only negative is the parking.

Gorgeous place to visit for any event it hosts.
Worth a look even if there is nothing going on, beautifully designed.

Went to a weekend of women's hockey games and loved it! Very comfortable seats, great roasted almonds!, lots of space for small children to stretch their legs, great atmosphere! Would have appreciated being able to take my Grand Forks purchased bottled water into the venue.

We toured "The Ralph," and attended a women's hockey exhibition game during parents weekend at UND. This arena is awesome! It is the most comfortable arena I have ever been in! The leather seats are very comfy! Everyone has a cup holder so no spilled drinks. This is certainly a "jewel" out on the prairie. Be sure to take a tour if you have a chance, there is much more than what you see when you just attend an event there! I am very excited to return for a men's hockey game in the future!

High energy. Lots of fun with the fans. Comfortable seating. Great view of the ice no matter where you sit.

This place is super! Son is student at UND and we visited and wanted to see a hockey game. This arena is beautiful! Very clean also. We had a super time! If we lived here, we would go all the time!

I have never been to a more spectacular arena, it has all modern and enjoyable accessories. Not a bad seat in the house

Overall was very pleased. Easy getting in and to our seats, including a stop for food on the way. Was there for a concert, which was excellent. The seats seemed a little narrow, but we made it work.

Got back outside quickly after the show and went directly to the taxi stand where our driver who dropped us off told us that's where all the taxis go after the show, and no need to call ahead.........and proceeded to wait 45 minutes for a grand total of 2 taxis, which were only there to pick up a specific person. The only way we ended up getting one was the 2nd taxi to show up couldn't find their fare, and just let whoever pile in, so we did. That person was a lifesaver, as it was starting to get a little cool, after 45 mins at the freezing mark (thankfully very little wind).

Very poor taste left in my mouth after an otherwise excellent evening.

The Ralph is a beautiful facility for all of their sports activities. The vendors have great food but the prices are not cheap. But that is to be expected at an arena event.

Went to see a game for the first time since moving here a few weeks ago. Great place and atmosphere. Granite floors welcome guests in the front entrance. Seats were amazing and overall great experience. Can;t wait to go back.

If you like hockey, you have to go see the Fighting Sioux Play here. Just amazing. Period... Come hungry and enjoy dinner at the arena. Make sure to play the 50/50 raffle as the prize pool gets up there. No seat is a bad seat. Make sure to be nice... No gophers on the ice...

The seats are totally uncomfortable especially what you pay for a season ticket holder. Parking sucks, and taking a bus from a bar isn't great either because when it is 20 below and you have to wait outside to get on a bus you freeze. The food and beer is WAYYYY over priced.

Not a bad seat in the house. One of the funnest atmospheres you'll ever be in. Arguably the best Arena in the world inch for inch.

I have not gone to any games there but if you like hockey it would be the place you may like to visit. It is approximately a 2 hour drive from Winnipeg.

Visited to see a Manitoba Moose preseason game so it definitely wasn't crowded but there still was enough people for atmosphere. Great facility for its size and the finishing is top notch. Lots of food and drink facilities and the bathrooms were excellent.

The Ralph is second to NONE! I have yet been to any other venue that can service the ppl as quickly and in a friendly manner. The seating is out of this world and there truly is not a bad seat in this entire arena!

If you can wiggle a ticket out of someone to attend a UND hockey game in this arena, grab it. It is so much fun and quite the place to see.

I did both a game and a tour of this place. The tour was well done and you get to see anything the players aren't currently using. They spoil their hockey players with every amenity possible. They showed us an organ they use as a back bar and it even plays. The arena is well cared for and I had a fantastic lower level seat. There are ample high quality food and beverage options all over the arena. Well done UND, well done!

The "Ralph" is probably the most amazing arena I've ever been in, and I've been in MANY arena's throughout the country. It has a stunning Hockey program that gets national attention every year. if you're in town during a game on Friday or Saturday nights when it's hockey season - this attraction is a MUST. The Fighting Hawks play to a packed house every night they play, upwards of 11,400 in attendance, and the fan base is raucous. Leather seating, immaculate marble floors with brass finishing touches, excellent food and drink choices, including locally crafted beers on tap, local entertainment between periods performing on a stage in the south corridor, lazer light shows and an amazing sound system. This arena is truly one of the things that makes Grand Forks stand out.
Bathrooms are large and move quickly, getting in and out of the stadium is remarkably well organised.. I can't remember a time when it took more than 10 minutes to get on the road back to my place after a packed house leaves. Amazing staff and attendants make every hockey game a memorable event. I've seen quite a few concerts here as well - the sound is absolutely fine, and great views from nearly every single seat.
the building also has finishing touches in all areas, including things the public never sees. the locker rooms and staging room for the players is one of the coolest spaces in ND. with Las Vegas touches.. lots of interesting lighting and finishes.. glass walls that fog over and become clear at the flick of a switch... many things that you may see on the tour.

Wow! What a beautiful facility for UND and Grand Forks. This is a pro-level facility and a pro-level experience (lights, sound, announcer, fireworks).

This is the best hockey arena in the country. Period. The only other one close is the Xcel Energy Center, but the Ralph is better. Marble floors throughout. Leather seats. Only thing is it was better when the letters "Home of the Fighting Sioux" were on the outside. They've since come down as UND was forced to change it's nickname. Still an great place to watch hockey.

Absolutely beautiful facility! Had a great time! Keep the Fighting Sioux name

When you walk into the Engelstadt arena, you are greeted with tradition and history. And when you walk out , you truly know what loyal fans and a loyal city to UND Hockey, look like. Love this place!

I have played and watched games in this arena. The atmosphere, condition, and smell of this arena are unmatched. Greatest rink on the planet.

This arena was noted as one of the top 10 sports venues in the world. If you are ever near Grand Forks and are a sports fan take the tour it is well worth it.

I visited UND for an interview and had the opportunity to watch a hockey game. The arena was world-class and the team was fantastic. Definitely a must see if you visit Grand Forks.

As a former Alumnae, I always love coming home and visiting The Ralph. Whether it's for a FIGHTING SIOUX hockey game or to pick up the latest souvenirs from the SiouxShop The Ralph is always on my list.

So excited as this visited included a display of Tony Hrkac Hobey Baker trophy!

If you're a hockey fan, plan a trip during North Dakota's hockey season. Grab a grinder from the Red Pepper concession and a beer and I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

If you have time, stop in the SIouxShop and ask to take a tour. It's worth it!!

Funny what a $104 million gift can do! Alumni Ralph and Betty Engelstad donated the beautiful Ralph Engelstad Hockey Arena to The University of North Dakota in Grand Forks that will bless many generations to follow. It is amazing! And all the hockey camps for kids they offer at truly affordable prices is outstanding. The "Ralph" and the "Betty" (which is basketball) as the buildings are affectionately called, are definitely worth visiting. They are even better to watch top notch sports and other hosted events. Come see, you'll be surprised.

I have been in this arena on several occasions. I have sat in a suite, general seating (upper and lower bowl) and there isn't a bad seat in the place. This arena is one of a kind. All the glitz and glitter makes you feel like you are in Las Vegas. The services are very top notch also. If in the area you not miss a chance to view or see a game in this arena.

My parents graduated from UND and recently went back to visit. They wanted to see the new arena. It was a beautiful building! We didn't see a live hockey game, but know it would be fantastic!

While the REA continues to be a first class venue, there are still reviewers here who believe it was a gift to UND. It wasn't. UND pays $2.5 million per year to lease the place. It's the central reason the hockey team loses well over a million dollars a year, which is made up for from general budget and student fee subsidies.

If you have a chance to see an event here, do so. Beautiful facility!! Marble inlays, leather seating. TV's everywhere, never miss anything going on. Come just for the tour. Parties, weddings, etc. can be catered here as well.

Nothing but the best, no question about the Ralph is one of the best hockey arenas in the US, Home of the best collage hockey team in the nation. The national champions "Fighting Sioux" - AKA (Fighting Hawks).
Great atmosphere for everyone, great place to visit in Grand Forks.

Not a bad spot in the house! Check out the UND hockey team if you can! Also great placet to check out a concert!

"OH MY GOSH!!!! WOW!" "OH MY GOSH!!!"

That was our reaction when we stepped into the main arena, gobsmacked at what we saw around us. And this was ~after~ walking the entire circle outside the main arena, in awe over the gorgeous tile, beautiful lighting, and overall amazing decor. No detail was missed: not one!

I know this was built by a UND alumnus who owns a casino in Las Vegas. At that point, we decided that he put a little bit of Las Vegas in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and we were SO grateful for it.

In terms of food and drink - there's nothing you could want that they don't have. I enjoyed an (expectedly overpriced) alcoholic slushy drink in a fun glass - it was tasty and fun. I'd totally recommend it!

There's a kid-zone for kids to play in (super cool) and before the game, there was a whole area with a live band playing and people listening.

In the arena itself, the seats are super comfortable and we appreciated having a cup holder attached to each seat. The lighting is great, sound is great, and I'm positive there's not a bad seat in the house.

In terms of parking, we easily parked at a lot on campus for $10 and they shuttled us to the door of the arena and back in a bus. No traffic woes for us.

The Sioux shop had a great selection of merchandise for sale before, during, and after the game.

And the game? Outside of great hockey, they entertain the heck out of you. When that whistle blew, we quickly learned to expect something fun. At minimum, the college kids are a hoot to watch; they make the whole experience one hilarious party.

We had an amazing, awesome, fantastic, superb, extraordinary experience at the Ralph and we are already talking about going back (which is no small feat: we're in central IL). To us, it was worth every second of travel and every dime we spent.

This is one of the nicest hockey rinks I have ever seen. Great seats and a lot of parking.

This place is a hockey arena, and not exceptional even for that. All the supposed luxury touches make for a lack of functionality. The marble floors are slippery, the leather seats are uncomfortable, and tickets for events are often over priced. The limited parking that is far from the arena usually costs $10, which is unheard of in North Dakota. This is a monument to Ralph Engelstad that doubles as the home of UND hockey. There's tons more to do in Grand Forks besides going to this place, and it saddens me that is is listed at the top.

The seats on the 3rd level are not at the correct angle and the spacing is tighter than it should be as compared to other facilities. Amazing restrooms. The counters were inferior. They should reengineer parts of the building. At least they got the restrooms right.

The Ralph Englestad Arena is an outstanding venue in Grand Forks. It is the home of hockey for the University of North Dakota and hosts concerts and large activities. The marble floors, leather seats, suites and large screens make it a fabulous place to watch hockey as well as concerts. The locker rooms offer wonderful facilities for the players. It is a gorgeous building both outside and inside. Attached is the Betty Englestad basketball courts. It is a great place to visit and an exciting place to watch college hokey.

For a small town, Grand Forks has an amazing arena. First class building that seats about 11,000, it is as good or better than most arenas in much larger cities. The marble floors and the cherry wood and leather seats are a nice touch. Like more arenas, my only complaint would be slight larger seats and more legroom, but I understand the space limitations.

If you have not stopped and visited the Ralph or the Betty, stop in and expect to be wow'ed by the beauty of this facility

Awesome arena and lots of fun! Beer was cold and a tasty Red Pepper Grinder hit the spot. Pro Shop has a great selection of gear. Well worth the trip!

Tickets are usually difficult to get due to the popularity of this sport in Grand Forks. I've enjoyed going to many events at the "Ralph" over the years. It never gets tiresome to watch the excitement and the food vendors are great!

There is no better place to attend a hockey game (even when your team loses)! A lot of excitement, good music, great food and beverage selections.

It's always a great experience to come to the Ralph for a UND Hockey Game. The seats are comfortable and the staff is always friendly. The building is absolutely beautiful.

This Arena is awesome in every respect! So so much fun to go to hockey 🏒 🥅 games here! Very clean facility not a spec of dirt anywhere! Not a bad seat in the house! Cant say enough good things about the Ralph!

Home of the University of North Dakota is it an architectural master piece. Excel Energy Center is bigger but the Ralph is fully finished to every detail. Beams, pipes, electrical are all covered and hidden. Marble floors, leather seats, new scoreboard-the list goes on and on.

Beautiful stadium. One of the finest in the nation. Marble floors, comfy seats, the whole nine yards. It just kind of takes away from the experience once you learn that the place was built by a raging anti semite and the reason why the place is so nice is Ralph raised the cost of the stadium from $50 million to $100 million so that the largest donation to the University of all time didn't give a penny to education. All this because he was upset that they were considering changing the mascot.

It is a great venue, one that all college hockey fans should make the trip to see. Cushioned seats and not too expensive beer!

This is a beautiful facility! The seats are all full and the fans make for extra excitement. Allow time to find your seat.

A must see for all visiting the Grand Forks area. The details and workmanship in this arena is top notch. Tours are available and the Sioux shop is inside. A sight you won't want to miss.

Caught a UND hockey game while in Grand Forks. This is the best arena I've been too. Great seats, Great event prices, Great food, and a great crowd! A must when in Grand Forks!

Great beer. Great seats. Great atmosphere. Best. In. College. Hockey. No, I take that back... BEST HOCKEY VENUE IN GENERAL

Such a great place! Truly a gem of Grand Forks! The seats are comfortable environment is friendly and everyone keeps the evening exciting! I will definitely go back!

The brickwork on the outside and the tile work on the inside of this facility is incredible. The building is very inviting. Lots of food choices, both local and chain. If you sit in the lower bowl, the seats are very comfortable. If you sit in the higher rows it does become a bit narrow and you have to watch you balance. One odd thing; the Canadian anthem at this particular game was played by the UND band, and quite well. Then the American anthem was played on the big screens, recorded, WITH SUBTITLES! The Ralph is in the USA.

I laughed when people said this is a must see, but it truely was. A very impressive arena that puts most NHL rinks to shame. The staff was so friendly and went out of their way to help during the recent synchronized skating competition.

Attended a hockey game over the weekend. As always parking, vendors, Sioux Hockey Shop, building and the game were outstanding! Everything about the building itself is impeccable. Certainly a tribute to the native Americans - especially the Sioux and their proud traditions. Too bad in America the many bow down to the few. We will certainly attend many more events in the future and enjoy ourselves immensely. Many, many thanks to the Englestad's for building such an outstanding event center.

To this point I dont think that I have ever been to a nicer more well taken care of sports facility. The place is immaculate, a shrine for hockey and a place where you don;t ever want to leave. Great food, great viewing, great aesthetics.

Had a great time attending a concert at this venue! Very clean, friendly staff and very well organized! Look forward to returning in the future!

This stadium is over the top. It cost 104 million to build and was donated by a Vegas billionaire alumni. Marble floors, leather seats and beer. These people love their hockey! This game felt like a pro game in every way. If your nearby or driving through check the schedule, you won't be disappointed.

There isn't a better facility in North America to watch a hockey game, and the concert acoustics are excellent as well.

This hockey arena is a must see if you haven't been here before. It's absolutely beautiful as far as hockey arenas go. We have season tickets and are here often. If you come here for hockey have some yummy red pepper tacos and go down to first floor between periods to listen to the band.

Touring the Ralph is one thing. Going to a game is the absolute best so get your tickets now - or ASAP. BTW - North Dakota hockey fans are the best in the land - rivaled only by the Chicago Blackhawks fans in my opinion.

This is a great place to see a concert or go to a hockey game. The nosebleed seats were fabulous and I felt like I was close to the stage. Parking wasn't great and traffic was a nightmare but it was worth it to be in this arena!

you have to go see something here. The marble is absolutely phenomenal. The building, as you approach, is a beautiful brick structure that cost a lot of money to build. Take some time to see the inside.

This arena is gorgeous! It makes the hockey games even more fun. Great food options and the gift shop is really nice.

Absolutely the finest hockey facility in the world. Plenty of bathrooms and eating and drinking facilities, too.

Fabulous venue with great UND hockey! This arena is unsurpassed in the college hockey world. Great fans!

If you like hockey, it doesn't get any better than this. You would expect so see this kind of arena in the NHL, not college hockey. What a gem!

We went with my son to the Under 18 IIHF world Jr hockey tournament. We were so impressed on Tues that we went back again on Sat! Clean & well maintained rink, nicest I've ever visited; friendly and helpful staff!
Thanks!

You will not find a better place to watch college hockey in the US. I've been to quite a few and none of them compare.

I am biased because I went to school here and live hear, but I can objectively say the REA is the best.

I've never been in a bad seat. There are ample concession locations. Recently the beer selection has gotten more diverse, too. Yeah, it's not cheap. But it's cheaper than NFL, NHL, or MLB prices.

Parking nearby is $10 bucks. Or just park in a nearby neighborhood and be there after a 10 minute walk.

They conduct weekly tours that are fun to experience if you can time your visit right.

Go Sioux!

Having attended everything from concerts to weddings to national sports competitions, the only negative could be that it is just too good!

Where else have you sat on Leather plush seats in a Hockey Stadium! Great Hockey games in an unbelievable setting.

Nicest arena I have ever been in. Always clean. Drink service is fast, washroom line up does not happen. We LOVE watching UND games in this arena.
Fantastic facility for a town the size of GF.

went to a UND game here. a must see for a visit to grand forks or for anyone who considers themselves a rue hockey fan. Beautiful facility!! historic team. a true bucket list experience.

It's hard to believe that an arena like this exists in the middle of the prairies. One of the nicest arenas I've been in and I've been to dozens around North America.

I am not a sports fan and I was still able to appreciate his beautiful arena. Tours are at 1:30 and are reasonably priced. $7 for adults and free for kids under 12.

I have been all over and 8 NHL arenas. By far this is the most beautiful with all padded seats, wood handles, stone flooring, lots of bathrooms and restaurants, many families and great fan support. It is definitely worth the experience. There is also bus service from several points to the arena including Buffalo Wild Wings and Cannad Inns that takes you to the front of the arena and picks you up at the bookstore after the game. Cannad inns sold tickets at Tavern United for $10 and $5 to redeem after the game at the bar.

Wow, what a facility. The Ralph Englestad Arena is a World Class facility. If you are in the area and have the opportunity to take in some great entertainment at "The Ralph" don't miss it. They offer tours - if you can get a tour of the facility take this in as well.

Had a great time at the Ralph watching the souix hockey team. Very nice arena with really no bad view. Will definitely be returning.

amazing place, home to the fighting sioux hockey team
first class place, unrivaled in college arenas

We pre-registered for this tour several weeks prior to our visit. There were 10 folks on the tour. Bob was our tour guide and he was great. The tour took 75 minutes and we were on all three levels, including the Engelsted suite at center ice, the Club, and the Green Room. Bob played a song on the organ for us. Loved seeing all the photographs on every level. Also saw the Olympic ice rink and the basketball/volleyball arena. About the only area you don't tour is the locker rooms. Incredible stadium and great university tradition. A must tour for ice hockey lovers. Cost was $7 for adults with 12 and under free, so also a good bargain. Tour is only at 1:30 pm and started promptly. Each person on the tour receives a souvenir tour booklet at the conclusion of the tour. There is a gift shop in the main lobby (the Sioux Store) that opens at 11:00 am where you pay for your tour and where the tour starts and ends. There is a single unisex restroom available before and after the tour. Make sure to see the 8 Championship trophies located in the main lobby to the left of the Sioux Store - that area was not actually part of the tour as it is open always to the public. University Bookstore is next door and there is a cafe there, too.

Finally got to see this arena! Beautifully done. Watch the marble floors......can be a little slippery if gritty or wet.

It's a must see. A great place to watch a college hockey game. The best college arena in the country.

We have actually attended a UND hockey game, which was fun, but we've also taken the tour of the rink - twice. It's a fascinating building, especially when you see the "behind the scenes" sections. Certainly no other hockey arena like this one!

The Ralph is like nothing I have ever seen with the marble, brass and leather embossed seats. Their sound system is fabulous. The food is great--I highly recommend the bucket of nachos with your choice of beef, pork or chicken--it is a full meal to share with one or two other people. The caramel popcorn with chocolate drizzle is amazing as are the Bavarian Almonds.

With an egotistic and enthusiastic fan base to go with it. Keep in mind alcohol is served at this facility and fans are very passionate. UND will always be the Fighting Sioux, no matter how much the PC police try and crack down on the name.

If you enjoy watching hockey in a first class rink, you will love this destination site. Beautiful facility, accommodating staff, great food, and part of the University of North Dakota. None better in the United States!!

This place is just awesome they have done such a great job and the only disappointing thing is the fact that they are no longer the Fighting Sioux, if you haven't been here yet its must do!

The Ralph Englestad Arena is probably the finest hockey facility you could ever find! The seating is out of this world and every attention to detail has been addressed in this fabulous facility. I toured it during the off season but say I was impressed is an understatement. I can hardly wait to see a game in this unbelievable arena!

The most amazing hockey arena in the country. There are no other words to describe the sheer opulence of the Ralph Engelstad Arena. It is a shrine to the hockey tradition at the University of North Dakota

It's one fancy building. The story that accompanies its donation and construction is worth the tour. It also figures in as an accelerant to the name and logo debate that has blurred the focus of the University of North Dakota for several years. Go online before visiting Grand Forks to find out when the tours are. It's worth it.

All you can say is WOW, if you have not had a chance to see this facility, I highly recommend it, especially if the Fighting Sioux are playing hockey!!!!!

The best area in college hockey! Area made for hockey with great sight lines with comfortable seats! Friendly staff!

The best hockey arena in the country. Donor Ralph Engelstad, alumni and Imperial Palace owner, spared no expense. It is worth a tour even if there is no hockey or entertainment event. However, if you are a hockey fan you can watch the best college hockey program in the country in the best arena - one that leads the nation in attendance (and enthusiasm). Truly worth a trip - you will have a blast.

We had a GREAT experience attending a music concert at REA!! The email I received before the concert was VERY informative, and I felt very prepared with all the right information. Parking was easy and not that expensive ($10). Parking lot attendants were friendly and had good information. The line to get in moved quickly with organized stations for purse/body searches (just a look in the small purses allowed and a wand over front and back) before going to get our tickets scanned. Finding our seats was easy, vendors were friendly, and the overall experience was EXCELLENT!!! I'd love to attend another concert there in the future!!

It's an impressive arena and a great venue for watching hockey. Hockey games are a must for anyone living in Grand Forks to try at least once.

This place is great! Visited the gift shop which has a wonderful selection, staff is above average. Chris, events coordinator, is very personable and goes all out to meet your needs.

We attended the Ralph Engelstad Arena last night for the UND versus Michigan Tech hockey game. The facility is absolutely impressive from the edged Souix head to the section signs. The professionals were very friendly and helpful. I raved about this facility to all of my family and friends.

Go for the Hockey, but don't expect a fight. It's college hockey after all. Decent layout with good acoustics & atmosphere

Incredible facility. If not attending a Fighting Sioux hockey game, take the tour or at least visit the Sioux Shop. Has to be the best facility of its kind in the US.

We saw the Eric Church Concert. The location was great and the facility was a wonderful place to see a concert.

I have been to a lot of collegiate sporting events, but this was one of the nicest venues I have ever been in. My was is a UND alum and we attended a woman's hockey game. After going there I would love to go back and watch a men's game.

Had a great night out great sports action, Friendly people great fun, Good beer and food, easy to get in and out after the venue. No bad seats in the house, bring the whole family you will not regret it

Loved this hockey arena!!!! Very top notch and all built on donated money from Ralph and Betty Englestad. The tour takes you behind the scenes and gives you a unique look at features that you would not usually have the opportunity to see if just attending a game. Highly recommend this tour!!

This arena is something to see. It is the most impressive college facility I've ever seen for sports. Would love to go back just for the atmosphere.

This was the venue for the 2017 Midwestern regional synchronized skating competition and the Pacific coast synchronized skating competition. What a fantastic complex this was for this purpose. The facility is beautiful and comfortable and parking was plentiful.
While the Olympic rink is adequate as a practice facility, there was not enough seating during the competitions. It would have been nice if the organizers of this event had put all competitions in the Engelstad rink and started it earlier in the day.

This is the nicest hockey arena in the country! First class arena from the marble floors to leather cushion seats! Not a bad seat in the house, great place to watch a College hockey game - go Sioux!

Having visited quite a few NHL arenas in the past, this was my first to a college rink, leaving me very impressed. Plenty of seating, professional quality rink with an unmatched atmosphere. Would add this to the bucket list of any hockey fan!

Great facility with great fans and a great team. If I had to complain about something, food & drinks are expensive.

No hockey arena comes close to this one. The place is just wall to wall great. Its 5 star plus If you are in town a must see

This is a must see attraction if you like hockey. Although I think even those who aren't into hockey would be impressed!

The layout was great. Your view won't be blocked by the person in front of you. There are cup holders, which is nice. There isn't a great amount of leg room, but I've had worse. It was pretty chilly in there, but I suppose that is better than overheating, when there are a lot of people there. Parking was decent, and it wasn't difficult to get out afterwards (not sure how it would be at a packed event).

Really nice place to watch hockey. The staff is very friendly and helpful. The building is also very clean.

If you want to watch a great hockey game this is the arena to do it at. Take the time to attend a game if you want to be blown away!!!!

Went to my first UND hockey game. This place is fantastic. Had to park a few blocks away. Getting in was easy. Great sight lines, food and beverages. Seats comfortable and spacious. Nice restrooms. Great experience!

This is one of the best hockey arenas around. It has been said it is nicer that the professional arenas. It is fun to walk around and see some of the UND memorialbilia along with the wonderful architecture of "the Ralph". A can't miss if you are coming to Grand Forks.

I've been fortunate to have visited the Ralph many times over the years and the venue is impressive every time I go. Leather seating, beautifully appointed suites, and lots of snack options just adds to the hockey extravaganza. A must-see in Grand Forks.

The Ralph Engelstad Arena is definitely a place you have to visit or tour if you visit Grand Forks. If you are able to catch a hockey game then it is a must see. There is nothing like the atmosphere that is created during a hockey game. UND always has an excellent team and the fans and students live for the excitement. The building is a multi-million dollar extraordinaire. You will not be disappointed.

This arena is better then a lot of pro teams arena and best of all not one penny of tax payers money was used to build it if you are in Grand Forks go take a trip through it

REA is THE BEST place to watch hockey bar none. Everything about this place is absolutely fabulous. Seats comfortable, every seat has a great view, while the food is horribly overpriced (what sports facility isn't) it is at least a good quality. It is just a fun, fun, fun place.

Beautiful building with a great story. Engelstad played hockey for UND, went on to make his fortune in Las Vegas and came back to make the most impressive college hockey stadium for UND.

This is just a beautiful building to see. Having season tickets for the men's hockey, I get to be there a lot. Stop by for a tour, you won't be disappointed and buy some hockey tickets .

This place is one you won’t want to miss seeing or attending an event at! It is managed well and absolutely stunning inside! My favorite is attending und hockey games here and concerts! The energy level here for und games in incredible!

The arena was very clean and well organized. The sound for the concert was unbelievable we could here them nice and clear. We had floor seats and we have never experienced it before and we had a great time. Thank you for a stress free evening.

Marble entryways, gorgeous wood accents, great lighting.....this is the most gorgeous sports arena I've ever seen! Worth a trip to Grand Forks just to see this.

One of the top event centers in the world. A hockey players dream and a fan favorite place. Also decorated in Foghting Sioux colors and emblems. No seat is bad ,has the largest seats sold and attended in collage history. Is the home of Fighting Sioux,< less the name since majority of one and NCAA got involved with name Opinion> Now UND but fans all wear fighting sioux jerseys and chant it. Forgetting the polatics if you come you will be Mzed

First time experience at the arena - great seats and a great game against Wisconsin. It was fun to see UND win, and kudos to the person running the music during the game - great playlist. Can I borrow?

Went to the Ralph Friday at 13:30 hrs for the daily tour. A lady who could be your grandma gave us a great tour of this marvelous facility. We were very interested in how Mr. Englestad built this building and all of the quality materials that went into making it, what a great place for hockey.

Always love coming to Sioux games and enjoying this state of the art arena! The Sioux are a very talented group of players so its always fun to come enjoy a beer and watch a great game of hockey.

Awesome venue for concerts or hockey games. There is not a bad seat in the house. UND hockey fans are great

This place is a hockey palace, no expense was spared when the UND hockey alumina Ralph Englestad donated the funds to build this arena. Marble floors, leather seats, and state of the art score board/ megatron. There is not a bad seat in the house, great food vendors and the sports gift shop has all the great UND fan gear. Just a great experience every time I go to a hockey game at this arena, can’t wait to go back for another!!! My last visit was just to the sports shop to pick up the last of the Fighting Sioux gear before it is all sold out and never available again due to the NCAA requirement to drop the name.

Nearly a perfect experience. The facility is absolutely beautifully with great seating, food, beer, wine... A smaller version of an NHL venue. Marble everywhere. What college prospect would not want to play at UND after visiting the arena

My husband and I saw Eric Church here and were NOT disappointed. Of course the show was spectacular, but this venue is an awesome place to see a concert. The building is beautiful and clean, and the concessions and bathrooms are very conveniently located. We were in the 300 section and still had an amazing view because it's not a huge arena. I would highly recommend seeing a concert here if you can!

Was there for a hockey game, decor is well done, still appears new, parking was a bear, nice selection of nibbles.

This is a site to see, top level arena of NHL/NBA quality. 15 yrs old but in great cleans condition. A tribute to UND and its donors!

No bad seats in the house, anywhere you sit is gonna be gold. easy to move around. I would suggest visiting the arena

It is a magnificent arena with all the bells & whistles! Tip: catch a free bus from 20+ bars in town and you'll get door to door service so you don't have to walk to your car in the freezing cold.

This facility is as nice or better than a professional venue. Home of the Fighting Hawks of UND - go Hawks! I hope to catch a game at "the Ralph" this year.

They started a tour at 1pm. Otherwise closed to the public. Why?
There isn't too much to say since you couldn't see it.

If you have not been here you are missing out. The place is a true hockey place. Love the photos of the different players. I took so many. The hockey game was something I am so glad I went to. The simmba Cam was a hoot.
Thank you for making it so much fun. Go Sioux. It has to be this way- not hawks. Don't change the name.

Went there for a hockey game and was very impressed. All seats in the arena are leather. It's got lots of food places, easy access, great parking. I'd go again.

Like hockey? OK, even if you don't, you HAVE to see this arena! The Ralph is one of the most, for lack of a better word, elegant areas I've ever seen. NHL arenas? Bosh! Maybe their executive club level measure up to the general seating area. Clean as clean gets...if I dropped my sandwich on the floor, I'd pick it up and eat it. OK, maybe not after the first period in January, but if I was the first guy in, I'm eating that sandwich, Jack!

Here's what you need to do. Get your tickets and get there when the doors open so you can take in the whole experience. And I mean the WHOLE experience. Start by perusing the Sioux Shop so you know what to buy on your way out (trust me, you're going to be jumping out o your seat throughout the game, so you don't want a lot of extra stuff around you). Grab something to eat. The prime rib sandwich is pretty darned good...Chef Robert is amazing! That stand is right next to the Leinie Lodge (if you're of age...if not, move along. There are plenty of Cokes to be had). Walk around and take it all in. The number of great hockey players, men and women, who played for the University of North Dakota is jaw-dropping; their pictures adorn the walls throughout the venue. With about :30 before faceoff, get to your seat and watch the teams come out to the ice. At about :15 to faceoff, the video intros begin. I'm not lying when I say it rivals any NHL intro, and the fans (particularly students) turn the air electric. From there, it's some of the best hockey you'll ever see. When UND scores, the crowd is it's own show. During second intermission, refresh your beverage and hang out on the concourse and wait for the band to parade by...there is nothing like it. I've seen it dozens of times and it never gets old. Once the final horn blows, stick around for the three stars. Finally, go back to the Sioux Shop and get the souvenir you scoped out earlier

We went on a campus visit of UND and they told us we could go into the arena! Well, we are so happy we did! One word...unbelievable! It is an absolute gorgeous place! My son said if he chooses UND that he will for sure become a hockey fan!

we were here for circus, staff were polite and helpful. great venue for hockey and other events. Parking was plenty

We went to a concert here and the acoustics were perfect. We were up on a higher lever, but the view was perfect! Also, the arena was clean!

Went to participate in a fun ringette tournament with teams from Winnipeg. Played in the Olympic arena first and it was nice, second day played at the Ralph. Top notch, a mini MTS centre. Granite flooring, comfortable seats and even though concessions were closed there were a lot to choose from. Zamboni guy was exceptional.