Wessman Arena is an indoor ice hockey arena located on the campus of the University of Wisconsin–Superior in Superior, Wisconsin, United States. Opened in 1970, it serves as the home venue for the Wisconsin–Superior Yellowjackets men's and women's hockey teams as well as the Superior High School Spartans.
Siinto S. Wessman was a former regent and longtime University of Wisconsin-Superior booster. The campus ice arena was named in his honor after its completion in 1970 at a ceremony before the first game.Duluth News Tribune. (2025, March 19). Bygones: UWS booster Siinto Wessman died 20 years ago. https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/bygones-uws-booster-siinto-wessman-died-20-years-ago
In 2023, the university announced "The Superior Plan", which includes adding facilities at the northern and southern ends of campus to create a recreation corridor along Catlin Avenue, with Wessman arena being the marquee venue at the southern end of the road. The plan calls for creating two new sheets of indoor ice near Wessman Arena that could serve the university, high school and Superior Amateur Hockey Association. This would be new sheets of ice with limited seating with renovations coming to Wessman Arena itself to maintain its ability to host NCAA games.Superior Telegram. (n.d.). UW‑Superior officials plan to transform campus community. https://www.superiortelegram.com/news/local/uw-superior-officials-plan-to-transform-campus-community
The arena also serves as an event center and concert venue in the summer months, as well as graduation ceremonies.Perfect Duluth Day. (n.d.). Wessman Arena. https://www.perfectduluthday.com/venue/wessman-arena/?tribe_venue=wessman-arena&tribe_event_display=past The arena also plays host to professional wrestling and Mixed Martial Arts fights.Superior Telegram. (n.d.). MMA fights Saturday night at Wessman Arena. https://www.superiortelegram.com/sports/mma-fights-saturday-night-at-wessman-arena Wessman Arena was also the host of the Superior-Douglas County Athletic Hall of Fame until major renovations took place in 2010.Superior Telegram. (n.d.). Area hall of fame gets new life. https://www.superiortelegram.com/news/area-hall-of-fame-gets-new-life Wessman Arena served as the site of the 1994, 2000 and 2007 NCAA Division III Men's Hockey Championships as well as the 2013 NCAA Division III Women's Ice Hockey Championship.University of Wisconsin–Superior. (n.d.). Wessman Arena. https://uwsuper.edu/student-life/campus-recreation/facilities/wessman/
Some of the more famous musicians to have performed at Wessman Arena include: 38 Special (2019) Jon Pardi (2017) Tech N9ne (2015) Sevendust (2001, 2002, and 2006) Drowning Pool (2001) Hoodie Allen (2014) SOiL (2002)
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