Compton Family Ice Arena
Home of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, this arena offers thrilling hockey games, public skating, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Electric atmosphere
Compton Family Ice Arena
Best Time
Electric atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Home of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, this arena offers thrilling hockey games, public skating, and a vibrant atmosphere.
"By far the nicest college rink I’ve been to, and the everything was perfect."
🎯 Book Tickets Early
Popular Notre Dame hockey games sell out fast. Secure your seats in advance!
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Game days can get crowded. Allow extra time for parking and entry.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Hockey
Compton Family Ice Arena
Experience the electric atmosphere of a live Fighting Irish hockey game. Feel the energy of passionate fans cheering on their team.
+1
Public Ice Skating
Compton Family Ice Arena
Lace up your skates and enjoy a public skate session. A fun activity for families and friends of all skill levels.
The Arena Bar
Inside Compton Family Ice Arena
A standout spot for fans to grab drinks and snacks, offering a relaxed vibe with game views. Features craft beers and cocktails.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Public Skate & Event Tickets
+1Getting to the Arena
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets Early
Popular Notre Dame hockey games sell out fast. Secure your seats in advance!
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Game days can get crowded. Allow extra time for parking and entry.
⛸️ Check Public Skate Schedule
Public skate times vary. Visit the official website for the latest schedule.
🏒 Hockey Gear Shop
Need new gear? The Hockey Shop at the arena has you covered.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets Early
Popular Notre Dame hockey games sell out fast. Secure your seats in advance!
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Game days can get crowded. Allow extra time for parking and entry.
⛸️ Check Public Skate Schedule
Public skate times vary. Visit the official website for the latest schedule.
🏒 Hockey Gear Shop
Need new gear? The Hockey Shop at the arena has you covered.
🍻 Enjoy the Arena Bar
Great spot for drinks and snacks with a view of the ice.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Compton Family Ice Arena, calling it the 'gold standard' for college hockey rinks. The venue is praised for its cleanliness, excellent sightlines, and the electric atmosphere during Notre Dame hockey games. The on-site bar is a particular highlight, offering a great selection of drinks and a relaxed vibe. Staff are consistently described as friendly and professional, contributing to a top-notch experience for all attendees, even visiting fans.
"What a beautiful venue for 2025 Riley H.S graduates, speedy entry process considering the amount of people there, definitely not disappointed!!!"
April Thomas
"Loved our experience here. Much like any other event at ND, the staff was gracious, friendly, and helpful. Food and hydration were ample, and restrooms were very clean. The best part of our experience was being able to sit so close to the band and student section- it was awesome seeing the enthusiasm and we loved the vibe!! Will be back ☺️"
Taylor Hargis-Clark
"The Compton Family Ice Arena is a gem for hockey fans and anyone seeking an unforgettable ice sports experience. Located on the University of Notre Dame’s campus, this venue exudes a perfect mix of modern amenities and classic collegiate charm. From the moment you walk in, the energy is palpable, with fans buzzing, the ice gleaming, and a stunning design that makes every seat feel close to the action.
The arena itself is immaculately maintained, with excellent sightlines and comfortable seating. The atmosphere during a game is electric, with passionate fans cheering on the Fighting Irish in a venue that celebrates both tradition and innovation. Whether you’re there for hockey, figure skating, or a public skate, the ice quality is top-notch.
Now, let’s talk about the bar inside—an absolute standout. Nestled within the arena, it offers the perfect retreat for fans to grab a drink and enjoy a more relaxed vibe while staying immersed in the game-day excitement. The menu boasts a solid variety of craft beers, including local brews that pay homage to the Indiana area, along with a great selection of classic cocktails and bar snacks. The service is friendly, quick, and attentive, even during the busiest game nights.
What makes the bar particularly impressive is its layout—it’s thoughtfully designed with big-screen TVs to ensure you never miss a moment of the game. The ambiance strikes the perfect balance between a cozy pub and a high-energy sports bar.
Whether you’re a Notre Dame fan, a hockey enthusiast, or just someone looking for a great time, the Compton Family Ice Arena and its bar deliver an experience that’s second to none. This place is a must-visit for anyone in the area!"
The Pickle Rick
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Compton Family Ice Arena is located on the University of Notre Dame campus in South Bend, Indiana. It's accessible by car, and parking is available, though it can be busy on event days.
Information on public transportation options to the Notre Dame campus can be found on the university's transportation website. Local bus routes may serve the area.
Parking is available near the arena, but it can fill up quickly during popular events like Notre Dame hockey games. Arriving early is recommended to secure a spot.
Yes, drop-off is possible. Consider traffic flow and designated drop-off zones when planning your arrival.
The arena is generally accessible, with accommodations for individuals with disabilities. It's advisable to contact the venue directly for specific accessibility needs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for Notre Dame hockey games and other events can typically be purchased through the official Notre Dame athletics website or authorized ticket vendors.
The public skate schedule varies. It's best to check the official Compton Family Ice Arena website or the Notre Dame athletics schedule for the most up-to-date public skate times.
Ticket prices vary depending on the event, seating location, and opponent. Check the official ticketing page for current pricing information.
While some tickets may be available at the door, it's highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially for high-demand events like Fighting Irish hockey games, to avoid disappointment.
Bag policies can vary for events. It's advisable to check the arena's specific guidelines on their website before your visit to ensure compliance.
🎫 ⛸️ Onsite Experience
The atmosphere is electric and passionate, with enthusiastic fans cheering on the Fighting Irish. Expect a high-energy environment.
Yes, there are food and drink concessions available, including a popular bar area within the arena that offers a good selection of beverages and snacks.
The arena offers excellent sightlines from most seats, making it feel like you're close to the action. Seating is generally comfortable.
Yes, the Hockey Shop at the Compton Family Ice Arena sells hockey apparel and gear, perfect for fans looking to gear up.
Skate rentals are typically available for public skating sessions. Check the arena's website for details on rental availability and pricing.
🎫 🏒 Hockey & Skating
The arena hosts various hockey tournaments, including the 2026 Irish May Day Tournament and other youth and collegiate events.
Yes, the Compton Family Ice Arena has hosted major figure skating events, such as the National Intercollegiate Figure Skating Finals.
The ice quality is consistently described as top-notch, suitable for both competitive hockey and figure skating.
The arena is a hub for hockey, likely hosting various youth programs and camps throughout the year.
Public access to team practices can vary. It's best to check the Notre Dame hockey team's schedule or contact the athletic department for information on public viewing opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to check the public skate schedule as times can vary. Consider renting skates if you don't have your own. For hockey games, the energetic atmosphere can be thrilling for older children, though younger ones might find the noise intense. The arena's design ensures good views from most seats, and the availability of concessions makes it easy to manage snacks and drinks for the little ones.
🏒 Hockey Enthusiasts
+1 The quality of the ice and the professional setup are consistently praised, making it a top-tier college rink. Don't miss the chance to check out the Hockey Shop for team merchandise and gear.
Even if you're a fan of an opposing team, the welcoming environment and friendly staff ensure a positive experience. ⛸️ Figure Skating Fans
If you have the chance to attend an event, you'll witness high-level performances on a pristine ice surface. Even outside of competitions, the arena's suitability for figure skating means that public skate sessions can be a great opportunity for skaters of all levels to practice and enjoy the ice.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Compton Family Ice Arena Experience
Beyond the games, the arena offers opportunities for public ice skating, making it a versatile destination for families and individuals looking for recreational fun. The Hockey Shop within the arena provides a convenient place to pick up team merchandise and hockey gear.
+1Community reviews highlight the professionalism and friendliness of the staff, from those directing traffic outside to the ushers inside, contributing to a seamless and welcoming experience for all attendees. This attention to detail elevates the overall visit, making it a memorable outing for both home and visiting fans.
Dining and Socializing at the Arena
The bar's design is thoughtfully executed, with big-screen TVs ensuring no one misses a moment of the action. The ambiance strikes a balance between a cozy pub and a high-energy sports bar, making it appealing to a wide range of visitors. Service is noted as friendly, quick, and attentive, even during peak times, which is crucial for maintaining the flow of the event.
While the bar is a major draw, standard concession stands also provide food and hydration options throughout the arena, catering to the general needs of attendees during games and public skating sessions.
Hosting Events and Tournaments
+1Its state-of-the-art facilities and prime location on the Notre Dame campus make it an attractive destination for collegiate and youth leagues. The arena's capacity and professional setup ensure that events are run smoothly and provide an excellent experience for both athletes and spectators.
Beyond sports, the arena also serves as a venue for other significant campus events, such as graduation ceremonies, demonstrating its versatility and importance to the Notre Dame community.
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