State Hockey Tournament to Relocate to LEGACY20 Arena at DeForest Yards

Editors note: Press release from the WIAA

STEVENS POINT, Wis. — The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association announced the move of the Boys and Girls State Hockey Tournaments to LEGACY20 Arena at DeForest Yards today, effective in 2027.

“Moving State Hockey to the brand-new LEGACY20 at DeForest Yards Arena marks an exhilarating new chapter for WIAA State Hockey, bringing a world-class facility to our teams and fans,” WIAA Executive Director Stephanie Hauser said. “We are thrilled that the incredible team that we’ve worked with the past four years from Bob Suter’s LEGACY20 Arena is managing this new venue, ensuring the exceptional dedication and support foundational to the success of this championship event.”

The WIAA and LEGACY20 Arena at DeForest Yards agreed to a three-year term, extending through the 2029 State Tournament. The venue is scheduled for completion this summer with the Madison Capitols of the United States Hockey League also relocating to the facility for the 2026-27 season.

The venue will have a seating capacity of 3,000 and is equipped with two 200’ x 85’ ice surfaces. The main surface will be indoors and used for the State Tournament games, and the second surface will be a covered outdoor ice surface that will operate as an arena during winter months. The facility will feature a state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, and a new scoreboard and a high-definition video board.

The arena also has suites intended for media broadcasting and work areas, administrative operations and partnership groups, as well as 12 locker rooms, four concession stands for the indoor ice facility.

“We are thrilled to host the WIAA Boys & Girls State Hockey Tournaments, and we believe LEGACY20 Arena at DeForest Yards will provide a great atmosphere for the players and coaches,” said Andrew Joudrey, president and CEO of LEGACY20 Operation. “With a capacity of 3,000, blended between bucket seating, viewing decks and suites, the venue will offer a first-class hospitality experience for the fans.

“Additionally, the arena boasts state-of-the-art AV capability, including a new 15’x25’ video-board, and upgraded amenities to maximize the game day experience for everyone,” he said. “We trust that with our management and great partnership with the WIAA, we will deliver a memorable State Tournament.”

The 2027 Boys and Girls State Hockey Tournaments are scheduled for Thursday-Saturday, March 4-6. The State Tournaments competition time schedules will be remain the same with the change in venue.

The Boys State Hockey Tournament was held at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum at the Alliant Energy Center from the inception of the event in 1971 until 2022. The only exceptions during that span was in 1974 and 1975 when it was held in Green Bay and in 2021 when the State Tournament was held in Wisconsin Rapids during the COVID-19 pandemic. The State Tournament relocated to the Bob Suter’s LEGACY20 Arena (formerly named the Capitol Ice Arena) in Middleton from 2023-26. The Girls State Hockey Tournament has been held in conjunction with the boys tournament since the sport was added in 2002.

“WIAA championships are a legacy tradition for high school teams throughout Wisconsin, and we’re happy hockey players will be able to continue to experience that tradition in Madison and Dane County for years to come,” said Jamie Patrick, the executive vice president of sales & sports strategy for the Madison Area Sports Commission. “We are elated at the opportunity to continue building on that legacy and growing hockey at the new premier venue. LEGACY20 Arena at DeForest Yards where it will be good for the players, good for more fans and good for Dane County.

The WIAA, as defined by its Constitution, is a private, voluntary, unincorporated, and nonprofit organization. The membership oversees interscholastic athletic programs for 514 senior high schools and 29 junior high/middle level schools in its membership.