How much did the Ed Robson Arena cost to build?
The total project cost is $65.7 million.

How was it funded? 
Gifts and pledges to the project total $26.9 million. The City for Champions program will provide $9.2 million for the project; of that, more than $1 million has been provided, with the remainder to be provided as tourism tax revenues grow. College funds paid for the remaining amount, $29.6 million. The largest gift to the project was from Edward J. Robson ’54.

What were the lead donor’s restrictions?
The lead donation, which was restricted specifically for the hockey arena, required construction to begin in 2019.

Who approved/authorized the project? What was the process?
The arena is part of CC's master plan approved by the college's Board of Trustees.

The Colorado Springs City Council approved the project in Dec. 2019.

The college issued a request for proposals to architects around the country that specialize in designing hockey arenas. Requirements included a commitment to sustainable design and harmony with the surrounding area. The architect, JLG, was selected in November 2018. The general contractor, Nunn Construction, was selected in July 2019. Construction started in 2019 and the building opened in September 2021.

What is the City for Champions commitment?
As part of the City for Champions (C4C) initiative, Ed Robson Arena is one of two downtown Colorado Springs sports venues — the other being Weidner Field, stadium for the Switchbacks soccer team — intended to boost the region’s annual tourism industry and increase retail sales and sales tax revenues.  

In addition to CC hockey games and other CC and community uses, the arena is available up to 50 days per year for C4C events. These may include sports tournaments, training camps, club events, Paralympic events, youth sports camps and events. These  will be held primarily in summer and are expected to draw new out-of-state visitors who will stay overnight in local hotels, eat in local restaurants, and purchase items in local retail stores, generating significant sales tax dollars for the community.

How much does it cost to operate the building per year, and how is that funded?
The projected annual operating budget for the arena is $1.7 million.

Increased hockey tickets sales revenue and increased sponsorships provide revenues that exceed the operating budget. Previously the college spent almost $950,000 per year to lease space at The Broadmoor World Arena and operate Honnen Ice Arena. Those funds are now directed toward the operating of Ed Robson Arena.

What are the non-hockey uses for Ed Robson Arena?
Multiple areas in the arena are used for events other than hockey, including the main ice surface, which also can be covered with a durable floor cover system; the Kelley Dolphus Stroud ’31 Club Level; the Concourse Level; and the Chapman Room.

Spaces are used for intramurals, Student Life events such as Arts in the Arena and free skate time, all-college events, classes, retirement parties, board meetings, department meetings, etc. The arena provides an accessible space for Commencement and eliminates the need to rent a backup location for inclement weather.

These are in addition to the C4C events noted earlier.

How does the arena benefit the community?
There are several benefits, including:

• Ice time for non-college hockey leagues
• Jobs for students
• Non-hockey events bring visitors from outside Colorado who boost the local tourism, hospitality, and retail industries and generate significant sales taxes for the community.
• The venue size is unique to the region.
• The arena provides an opportunity to bring national/world championship events to Colorado Springs, and to host camps related to Olympics, science, training, outdoor adventure, arts, sports, and health sectors.
• Event facilities are available for community groups to rent.
• The arena provides an improved fan experience for CC Tigers ice hockey fans.