Where in the ADK? Herb Brooks Arena, Lake Placid
Site of the famous “Miracle on Ice” at the 1980 Olympics
Photo courtesy New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority
This week’s “Where in the ADK?” is probably not our biggest head-scratcher. The Herb Brooks Arena is a very popular and recognizable spot in the town of Lake Placid.
Map courtesy ORDA
But we thought it was an appropriate selection for this week while the FISU Winter World University Games are in Lake Placid.
The arena was built for the 1980 Olympics. It’s part of the larger Olympic Center that also houses the 1932 Jack Shea Arena, Lake Placid Olympic Museum and Olympic Speed Skating Oval (winter only).
At the 1980 Winter Olympics, Team USA was viewed as a huge underdog against the powerhouse Soviet Union. With an inexperienced team made up of mostly amateurs, they were seen as having little chance to win gold - especially considering that the Soviets had taken home top honors in five out of six previous Olympic Games.
However, defying all expectations, Team USA managed some unexpected victories and ultimately secured their place in a medal-round match with what seemed like an unconquerable opponent, the Soviet team (cue dramatic music here).
It was here on February 22, 1980, that the U.S. hockey team delivered an electrifying performance and defeated their formidable Soviet opponents in a dramatic 4-3 victory.
Some people mistakenly believe the matchup was for the gold medal. Team USA had to go on and beat Finland two days later for the gold. It was still an epic accomplishment. And by that point, the earlier defeat of the Russian team had already become one of the most iconic moments in sports history - immortalized by Al Michaels' now legendary question: "Do you believe in miracles? YES!"
Sports Illustrated would later call the "Miracle on Ice" the top sports moment of the 20th century.
On the 25th anniversary of the Miracle on Ice, the 1980 Olympic ice arena was renamed Herb Brooks Arena in honor of Team USA’s late coach and hockey legend.
The arena is very active today as a venue for competitive sports. It was the site of the 1984 and 1988 men's NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Championship, commonly referred to as the Frozen Four. The arena also hosted the NCAA Women's Ice Hockey Championship in 2007.
From 1993 to 2002, the arena hosted the ECAC Hockey League's championships every March. This year’s ECAC championship is slated to be held there on March 17 & 18.
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