Guidant John Rose Minnesota Oval facts for kids
| Location | Roseville, Minnesota, United States |
|---|---|
| Type | outdoor bandy rink |
| Opened | December 1993 |
The Guidant John Rose Minnesota Oval is a huge outdoor ice rink in Roseville, Minnesota, USA. Many people say it's the biggest outdoor artificial skating surface in North America! It's often called just "the OVAL." This amazing place was built in 1993. It's a special home for a sport called bandy in the United States. Both the United States men's national bandy team and the United States women's national bandy team train and play here. The Oval also got a big upgrade, costing $3.9 million, which was finished before the 2022 winter season.
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Discover the John Rose Minnesota Oval
What is the Oval?
The Oval has a giant concrete surface, about 110,000 square feet. Imagine a 400-meter track with an ice arena in the middle! Underneath this surface are 84 miles of cooling tubes. These tubes connect to a powerful refrigeration system. This system helps keep the ice frozen, even when it's a bit warm outside. If the temperature goes above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the ice can't stay frozen. But don't worry! When it's too warm for ice, the concrete surface becomes perfect for inline skating.
A Look Back: The Oval's Story
The idea for the Oval started way back in 1983. The governor at the time, Rudy Perpich, had a big dream. He wanted Minnesota to host the Olympic Games! To prepare for this, a team looked for places to build new sports facilities. After a lot of hard work, Roseville was chosen. The city received money from the state to design and build a multi-purpose outdoor skating center. It finally opened in December 1993.
How the Oval Got Its Name
The facility is named after a special person: John Rose. He was a teacher in Roseville and also worked in the Minnesota House of Representatives. John Rose was a huge fan and supporter of youth sports. Naming the Oval after him was a way to honor his dedication.
Big Events and Famous Faces
The Guidant John Rose Minnesota Oval has hosted many exciting events. It was the site of the 1995 Bandy World Championship for men. Later, it hosted the 2006 Women's Bandy World Championship. Other big competitions include US Speedskating Championships and World Cup Speedskating. Even the Minnesota Wild hockey team used the Oval to show off their new jerseys! Famous skaters like Dan Jansen and Bonnie Blair have visited. It's also the main training spot for the United States national bandy team. Local hockey and speedskating clubs use it too.
Keeping the Ice Cool
In 2004, there were some problems with the cooling system. Leaks made it hard to keep the ice frozen. But in 2005, the Guidant Foundation stepped in. They gave $500,000 to fix the refrigeration system. Because of their generous help, the Oval's official name was changed. It became the Guidant John Rose Minnesota Oval to thank the Foundation for their support.
Fun Activities at the Oval
The Oval is a busy place, welcoming over 100,000 visitors every year!
Winter Wonderland Activities
When it's cold, the Oval is a hub for ice sports. You can find people playing bandy and ice hockey. Many also enjoy speed skating or just having fun with recreational ice skating. It's a great place to enjoy winter!
Summer Skate Park Fun
When the ice melts, the Oval transforms! It becomes the biggest skate park in the Midwest. Ramps are set up for exciting activities like BMX biking and roller hockey. You can also try aggressive skating. The track is perfect for inline skating. There's even a summer skateboard camp for kids aged 6–13 who want to learn or improve their skills.
Learn to Skate and Speedskate
If you want to learn to skate, the Roseville Skating School offers lessons. These are held in the connected Roseville Ice Arena during winter. The Oval is also home to two speedskating clubs. The Greater Minnesota Speedskating Association and the Midway Speedskating Club train here. The Midway Speedskating Club helps young skaters develop their skills. They have even helped train Olympic athletes and coaches! The club also offers a beginner speedskating program for kids aged 4–14.
In February 2015, the Oval hosted the Bandy World Championship for girls up to 17. It was an exciting event for young athletes!
