Bill seeks $25 million in state funding for new Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame

— UPDATED April 8 to properly attribute quote to Rep. Skraba, not Rep. Sexton

The State of Hockey will have a new hockey hall of fame as soon as 2028.

The proposed Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame would be a 140,000-square-foot facility in Inver Grove Heights featuring a five-exhibit wing museum, ice arena, performance hall, hockey-themed restaurant and bar and event space.

“This is a one of a kind and once in a lifetime type of project that truly will celebrate the history and heritage in our great state,” Mayor Brenda Dietrich told the House Capital Investment Committee Tuesday. No action was taken.

Rep. Mary Frances Clardy (DFL-Inver Grove Heights) sponsors HF4238, which seeks $20 million in Fiscal Year 2027 for facility construction and $5 million in general obligation bond proceeds for public infrastructure improvements related to the project.

The total project cost is estimated at $151 million, raised from private financing, fundraising, sponsors and potential state investment. The facility will be privately owned between the developer and the Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame nonprofit.

In December 2025, the City of Inver Grove Heights purchased the 40-acre site near Interstate 494 and east of the Minnesota Vikings headquarters for $8.7 million. Construction on the project is expected to begin later this year.

Rep. Roger Skraba (R-Ely) worries about competition between the Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame and the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in Eveleth, which was built in 1973.

Dietrich replied that competition won’t be a problem. “They do plan on collaborating on exhibits and sharing those and I think it will actually enhance the one in Eveleth with that shared partnership.”

“The funding will have a broad impact, not just specific to the project, and will also benefit other economic development activities in this particular area,” said Jason Ziemer, Inver Grove Heights community development director.

It’s estimated that the facility could attract 430,000-460,000 visitors annually, create 400 new full- and part-time jobs and bring in up to $1 million in new property taxes.

“I just see it as bringing a lot of economic stability to the whole area,” Clardy said.