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Dobson Arena Remodel Project

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West Entrance of Dobson

Dobson Arena Remodel Underway

The Town of Vail began its highly anticipated remodel of Dobson Arena in April 2025. Construction is expected to take approximately 18 months to complete, with an anticipated reopening at the end of September 2026.

Construction_helmet_thumbnailFollow the remodel project. Sign up at www.vail.gov/vailmail to receive Weekly Construction Updates by email notification.

Background 

Dobson Arena is one of the largest multi-purpose ice facilities on Colorado's Western Slope. The Town of Vail owns the facility; it is operated by the Vail Recreation District under a long-term lease. The arena was originally built in 1979 and has had one addition and other remodels performed over the years. There has not been a major remodel completed of the entire arena.    

Improvements at Dobson were identified as an important component of the town’s Civic Area Plan, which was adopted in 2019. The project, which has been eagerly anticipated by the community, will resolve long standing issues with a facility which no longer meets the standards expected for public amenities in Vail. 

The Vail Recreation District and Town of Vail Recreation Subcommittee, which includes two Vail Town Council members and two Vail Recreation Board members, are leading the remodel effort. 

Dobson Arena Interior Concourse View RenderingFor more information, contact John King,
970-376-0949

Project Overview

In 2023, the town issued a series of RFPs to find the best qualified partners for the highly visible Dobson Arena remodel. By the beginning of 2024, the town had contracted with Populous Design and Hyder/McHugh Construction to move the project forward. The following guiding principles were used in developing the program: Support Future Community Vision; Honor a Colorado Icon; Elevate Guest Experiences; Improve Daily Operations; Create a Destination for Future Events; Incorporate Modern Enhancements with Timeless Character. 

Dobson Following discussions and review of pricing based on a full rebuild of Dobson’s roof vs. a repair and refresh effort, the project team landed on a program that preserves the roof structure while providing major improvements to the facility. The remodel will include:

  • New West Entry 

  • New South Entry 

  • New Northeast and Northwest Mechanical Screened Yards 

  • 1,400 + staff Capacity for Hockey 

  • 2,400 Standing Room Only Maximum Capacity on the Floor for Flexibility 

  • 3,500 + 100 staff for Shows  

  • 43 Increased Internal Bathroom Fixtures  

  • 40 Total Internal Bathrooms Allows for 2,080 Capacity  

  • 30 Additional Internal Bathrooms with Approval of North Restrooms

  • Rigging Input Provided by AEG for Design 

The total cost of the project is approximately $55.4 million, with funding coming predominately through $48.8 million from Vail Reinvestment Authority. These funds must be spent by June 30, 2030 on projects within the Lionshead Tax Increment Financing District. Additional dollars will come from $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. Due to the timing of cash flows from the TIF District, the Vail Town Council may consider financing a portion of the project.

Dobson

 

Project Documents  

Presentation to Vail Town Council – Dec. 17, 2024
Presentation to Recreation Subcommittee – Nov. 19, 2024 
Presentation to Vail Town Council – Sept. 3, 2024 
Presentation to Vail Town Council and Vail Recreation District Board – June 4, 2024 
Presentation to Vail Town Council – March 5, 2024