LAKE PLACID, N.Y. --- The New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority’s (ORDA) Board of Directors today approved funding to develop schematic designs to modernize both the historic Lake Placid Olympic Center and speed skating oval. These facility upgrades will be the first major upgrades to take place since before the 1980 Olympic Winter Games. The plans will be used to acquire building permits and to develop bidding documents for the construction.

“This historic building is 42 years-old and these modernization projects have the chance to define the Lake Placid experience for the next 30 years,” said ORDA president/CEO Mike Pratt.

Both the Olympic Center and the speed skating oval continue to attract guests and athletes year-round. Last year, more than a half-a-million visitors passed through the Olympic Center, known world-wide as the home to the “Miracle on Ice,” while a record 17-thousand individuals skated on the 400-meter long outdoor speed skating track.

As part of ORDA’s ongoing effort to keep these facilities efficient and visitor friendly, Olympic Center staff have already installed new LED lighting inside the Herb Brooks 1980 Arena, begun replacing spectator seating in the 1980 Arena and installed a new video scoreboard  – removing the only scoreboard the Lake Placid Olympic Center had ever known.  

Modernization projects that are being considered include:

• Expansion of the USA Rink, from a NHL size skating surface to Olympic size
• Retractable seating and new hospitality rooms for the USA Rink
• Increased access to food services and concessions for the Herb Brooks Arena
• New hospitality suites for the Herb Brooks Arena
• Locker room improvements for both the USA Rink, 1932 Arena and Herb Brooks Arena
• Expanded retail shop
• Expanded Lake Placid Olympic Museum
• Centralized guest services and ticketing area
• New food & beverage facility
• Open air viewing deck overlooking the Olympic speed skating oval

Pratt noted that the Olympic Center would remain open for business during the renovation period -  to host a variety of activities and events including, hockey and figure skating camps, skating shows, high school hockey games, public skating and the ECAC Men’s Ice Hockey Championship Tournament.

Work on the $100-million renovation project is expected to begin this November with estimated completion around 2022.

The Olympic Center and speed skating oval are among several capital projects underway at ORDA’s Olympic sites. Other capital projects are taking place at the Olympic Jumping Complex, Mt. Van Hoevenberg sliding center and Nordic center. The projects are designed to enhance the overall customer and athlete experience and will all be completed in time for the 2023 Winter World University Games.

Patrick Barrett, ORDA chairman added: “I would like to thank the Governor for his continued vision and support. This is another example of how ORDA and the State of New York are working in partnership, moving forward to secure the region’s economic vitality for years to come.”

Roby Politi, Town of North Elba supervisor added: “The future of Lake Placid’s sports mission hangs on the financial support of our partners in New York State. I would like to thank Governor Cuomo and his administration for the continued support to upgrade the region’s Olympic venues and its ancillary amenities.”

Craig Randall, Village of Lake Placid mayor added: “Sports and tourism are the major industries for Lake Placid and the region. The investments that are being proposed for our recreational facilities are fully support by the guests and spectators who come to the area. Additionally, we are confident that this activity will spur additional private investment in lodging properties.”

James McKenna, president Adirondack North Country Sports Council added: “This is fantastic news, the upgrades to these facilities will ensure that Lake Placid, with its Olympic legacy, the 2023 Winter World University Games, Ironman and ongoing world events will remain as a top destination in the United States and beyond. Thank you Governor Cuomo and the entire New York State team, the return on this investment will continue for many decades.”

Photos and renderings can be found and downloaded HERE. Renderings are of Olympic Center exterior, USA Rink viewing area, parking garage and Olympic Center retail shop and visitor information area.

-- ORDA --

Established in 1982, the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) was created by the State of New York to manage the facilities used during the 1980 Olympic Winter Games at Lake Placid. ORDA operates Whiteface, Belleayre and Gore Mountain ski areas; the Olympic Sports Complex at Mt. Van Hoevenberg; the Olympic speed skating oval, Olympic jumping complex and Olympic arena. As host to international and national championships, the Authority has brought millions of athletes, spectator and participants to the region, resulting in significant economic development.