Bill seeks $20 million in state funding for Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - The Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame is coming to Inver Grove Heights in 2028, and a bill at the Minnesota Legislature is seeking $20 million in state funding for it.

Legislative bill for Hockey Hall of Fame

The backstory:

Bill HF-4238, introduced on March 12, proposes $20 million in state funding during fiscal year 2027 for a grant to the Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame. It would go to construct, finish and equip the facility in Inver Grove Heights. The appropriation is one time, and is available until the project is completed or abandoned.

The bill also proposes $5 million from the City of Inver Grove Heights for public infrastructure, including mass grading and excavation, clean water systems, sanitary sewer systems, stormwater systems, roads, trails and sidewalks.

What is the Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame?

What we know:

Set to open on 2028, the Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame will operate as a 120,000 square foot facility. It’s expected to include a 30,000 square-foot museum with a Great Hall and five exhibit wings, a state-of-the-art sunken ice rink and a 20,000 square-foot performance hall that will specialize in concerts and induction ceremonies.

Plans include a hockey-themed restaurant and bar, event space and more. The facility will also include a 360-degree digital experience and hands-on exhibits, which will include skating, shooting and reliving some of hockey’s most historic moments.

U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame

Local perspective:

As it stands, the only current celebration of hockey in Minnesota is the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in Eveleth. That honors the best of USA Hockey, including gold medals and the best American-born players to play the game.

The facility in Inver Grove Heights celebrates the game, and specifically, its direct impact on Minnesota.