What details do we know about the Hall of Fame development so far?
The Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame is proposing a 120,000-square-foot facility that would include the following:
- 30,000-square foot museum with a Great Hall and five exhibit wings
- 48,000-square foot ice arena
- 20,000-square foot performance hall
- Hockey-themed restaurant and bar
- Signature event spaces
- Interactive digital experiences
Why is this the right opportunity for Inver Grove Heights to become the home of the Minnesota Hall of Fame?
Inver Grove Heights is fortunate to have a large, developable site near Viking Lakes and the future I-494 interchange – available land that many cities simply don’t have. That advantage will not last forever. Securing the site now allows the City to guide what goes on this land for the long-term benefit of the community.
As the Hall of Fame was deciding where to locate this project, the City recognized a rare opportunity to bring a one-of-a-kind attraction to the City, which will draw visitors, attract new amenities and retail, and strengthen the community for years to come.
How does the project benefit Inver Grove Heights residents?
The Hall of Fame would be a year-round hub for sports, events, community celebrations, and family activities – with interactive exhibits, an ice rink, event spaces, and a performance venue residents can use every day. These amenities will give residents of all ages more places to gather and connect close to home, experience hockey history, and enjoy concerts, ceremonies, and celebrations. The project reflects what Inver Grove Heights values: a great place to live, visit, and play, with more opportunities for residents to come together.
A major development like this also strengthens a part of the City that has strong economic potential. Along with raising the City’s statewide profile, this project helps set the stage for long-term community growth by creating a destination that serves both residents and visitors.
How does the Hall of Fame project support the kind of growth Inver Grove Heights is striving for?
The City has made great progress filling vacant commercial spaces and completing smaller development projects – especially over the past two years. That progress has strengthened our community and created real momentum.
But, the City has not seen the same level of large-scale commercial development as other metro area communities. Projects of that scale bring new services, retail, and entertainment options, all of which help create jobs and expand the City’s tax base.
For more than 20 years, the Northwest Area has been identified as an ideal location for mixed-use development that can attract new restaurants, retail and entertainment – a destination that gives residents things to do and places to go. The Hall of Fame project can serve as the catalyst for that next level of growth, opening the door to new amenities and economic activity that can attract visitors and support local businesses.
What is the City’s role in this project?
The City Council approved a purchase agreement with the private landowner on December 8, 2025, for $8,725,200 to secure the land needed for the project. The purchase agreement locks in the price and gives the City until October 2026 to complete the purchase. This allows time for the City and the Hall of Fame to finalize key details. The City also anticipates completing certain site and public improvements, such as grading, construction of roads and parking areas and the installation of utilities, to support the project’s progress.
What is the estimated cost of the Hall of Fame development, and how will it be paid for?
The Hall of Fame team is responsible for assembling the full funding package for the $70 million facility. Most project funding is expected to come from private fundraising, grants, and possible state funding.
The City’s role is limited to land acquisition and certain site and public improvements related to preparing the area for development.
What site and public improvements are anticipated, and what is the anticipated cost?
Site and public improvements include preparing the site for construction, building roads, and installing public utilities such as water, sewer, and stormwater. At this stage, early estimates, based on conceptual designs, suggest a total cost of $10 to $12 million – but detailed design, cost estimates, and funding plans are still in development. These types of public investments are typical of work that supports long-term economic development projects. Now that the location has been announced, the City will work closely with the Hall of Fame to finalize the scope of improvements, confirm costs, and identify funding sources. As this work progresses, the City and Hall of Fame will share more information.
How will the land and site improvements be paid for?
The City Council has identified existing funds to pay for the land acquisition, including money from our Host Community Fund, which is made up of fees paid by local landfills. The City is exploring all potential funding options for the site and public improvements, which may have some future impact to property taxes.
What are the next steps for the project?
The Hall of Fame has launched a corporate sponsorship and fundraising campaign and is evaluating opportunities for state funding support. The project is in the early stages of design and will be required to move through the City’s standard development review and approvals process.
A Comprehensive Plan amendment request has been submitted to allow for commercial and residential uses on the site, supporting both the Hall of Fame and future adjacent development. Project details will continue to evolve as planning advances in the months ahead.