News & Announcements

90 Day Countdown to the Reopening of Dobson Arena

Post Date:08/07/2026 12:46 PM

With just 90 days until the first event is scheduled to take place at the newly renovated Dobson Arena, the Town of Vail and Vail Recreation District are inviting the community to join the excitement and follow along during the final stretch of construction. “Behind the Build” updates are being posted at www.instagram.com/dobsonarena. The recent ice slab concrete pour was captured on video and is available at https://vimeo.com/1216156063.

As part of the project, a new brand has been developed that is intended to honor the legacy of Dobson Arena as a treasured community asset while expanding the perception of locals and guests beyond the popular sheet of ice. Dobson will reopen as a premier multi-purpose sports and entertainment venue.

Dobson Arena logo in blue with the large D to the left and "Vail, Co" in a box on the bottom right

The new logo was developed with the assistance of Edwards-based 970 Design. It can be used as a standalone “D,” with the three marks alluding to the marks that skates leave on the ice - both hockey and figure – as well as to sound waves and to the slats of the facility’s iconic roof structure. Preservation of the roof was one of the most requested elements during the public process for the updated design of Dobson.

Work began in April 2025 and includes new south and west entries, new south seating stands, a wrap around concourse/mezzanine level, additional concessions, additional bathrooms and locker rooms, and concert rigging infrastructure. The improvements will increase maximum spectator capacity to 1,500 for hockey games and 3,500 for concerts and shows.

Dobson Arena Both Entries Rendering

Total project cost is approximately $55.4 million, with funding coming predominately through $48.8 million from Vail Reinvestment Authority. Additional dollars are coming from a $3.4 million contribution from the Vail Recreation District and $800,000 from the town's Real Estate Transfer Tax Fund, as well as sponsorships and fundraising. The project was designed by Populous and is being built by Hyder/McHugh Construction, with Cumming Group serving as the owner’s representative. Learn more at www.vail.gov/dobson.

The Vail Sportsmanship Hockey Tournament will “break the ice” at Dobson from Nov. 6-8. Opening weekend will also include a Vail Yeti game on Nov. 7. Regular programing will be scheduled in the arena throughout the month of November, with registration for youth hockey programs already open at https://www.vailrec.com/youth-hockey.

Dobson Arena Interior Event Level View Rendering

The facility will host its first musical act with an all-ages concert priced for the locals planned for Nov. 28. A free community celebration including an open house and open skating will take place on Nov. 29. Additional details on both events will be announced in the coming months at www.discovervail.com.

Dobson Arena was built in 1979 and has remained largely unchanged outside of minor updates over the years. The remodel will bring the facility back to the high standards expected for public amenities in Vail.

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