Ralph Engelstad Arena

NCAA
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Ralph Engelstad Arena, known as “The Ralph”, is a hockey rink in Grand Forks, North Dakota, home of the North Dakota Fighting Hawks (NCHC, NCAA Division I). It opened in 2001, making it 25 years old in 2026 and seats 11,568 for hockey. That makes it the 3rd-largest rink in NCAA and the biggest in the NCHC.

The closest NHL rink is Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, about 136 miles away.

Rink facts

Location
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Home of
North Dakota Fighting Hawks (NCAA)
School
University of North Dakota
League
NCHC
Opened
2001
Capacity
11,568
Nickname
The Ralph
Size rank in NCAA
3rd of 60

Famous moments at Ralph Engelstad Arena

Game night

Tradition. Called the 'Taj Mahal' of hockey; 'Home of the Fighting Sioux' signage removed Oct 22, 2012; hosts NDHSAA state hockey tournament in even-numbered years.

Plan your trip to Ralph Engelstad Arena

Hotels near Ralph Engelstad ArenaBook a stay for game night on ExpediaNorth Dakota Fighting Hawks ticketsFind seats for home gamesParkingLots and garages near the rinkDirectionsMap to Ralph Engelstad ArenaTours & things to do in Grand ForksArena tours, sightseeing and more on ExpediaFood & drinks nearbyPregame spots near the rink

Rinks near Ralph Engelstad Arena10

  1. 1SPHL/FPHLRalph Engelstad Arena — Minnesota Northern Lights (Thief River Falls, Minnesota)42 mi
  2. 2USHL/NAHLScheels Arena — Fargo Force (Fargo, North Dakota)74 mi
  3. 3Junior AWinkler Arena — Winkler Flyers (Winkler, Manitoba)96 mi
  4. 4NCAASanford Center — Bemidji State Beavers (Bemidji, Minnesota)106 mi
  5. 5Junior ASoutheast Event Centre — Steinbach Pistons (Steinbach, Manitoba)112 mi
  6. 6Junior ANiverville Community Resource & Recreation Centre — Niverville Nighthawks (Niverville, Manitoba)116 mi
  7. 7Junior AThe Rink Training Centre — Winnipeg Blues (Oak Bluff, Manitoba)128 mi
  8. 8NHLCanada Life Centre — Winnipeg Jets (Winnipeg, Manitoba)136 mi
  9. 9U SportsWayne Fleming Arena — Manitoba Bisons (Winnipeg, Manitoba)136 mi
  10. 10Junior AHockey for All Centre — Winnipeg Monarchs (Winnipeg, Manitoba)136 mi

Questions about Ralph Engelstad Arena

Where do the North Dakota Fighting Hawks play home games?

The North Dakota Fighting Hawks play at Ralph Engelstad Arena in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

How many people does Ralph Engelstad Arena hold?

Ralph Engelstad Arena seats 11,568 for hockey.

When did Ralph Engelstad Arena open?

Ralph Engelstad Arena opened in 2001.

What is Ralph Engelstad Arena’s nickname?

Ralph Engelstad Arena is known as “The Ralph.”

What other rinks are near Ralph Engelstad Arena?

Ralph Engelstad Arena in Thief River Falls is about 42 miles away. See the full list of nearby rinks on this page.

Facts are for the 2026–27 season. Distances are straight-line miles between city centers. Capacity figures vary by source. See something wrong? Let us know. Is this your rink? Get the “Listed on RinkGuide.com” badge for your website.