Ossian C. Bird Arena is an ice arena and recreational sport facility located in
Athens, Ohio
Athens is a city and the county seat of Athens County, Ohio. The population was 23,849 at the 2020 census. Located along the Hocking River within Appalachian Ohio about southeast of Columbus, Athens is best known as the home of Ohio Universit ...
and owned and operated by
Ohio University. The arena serves as the home for
Ohio University ACHA Men's
college ice hockey teams that compete in the
American Collegiate Hockey Association
The American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) is a college ice hockey association. The ACHA's purpose is to be an organization of collegiate affiliated non-varsity programs, which provides structure, regulates operations, and promotes qualit ...
at the Division I level as a member of the
Central States Collegiate Hockey League and at the Division II level as a member of the
Tri-State Collegiate Hockey League
The Tri-State Collegiate Hockey League (TSCHL) is an ACHA Division II level ice hockey league. ACHA Division II level consists of players with previous Jr. A, AAA or Midget Major experience, along with high caliber high school experience. The le ...
. The Division II team won the 2018 TSCHL Tournament Championship. Bird Arena is also home to the Ohio University Synchronized Skating Team who compete in the Open Collegiate division of synchronized skating.
The Bird Arena features a 190′ × 85′ ice sheet for
ice hockey,
figure skating and open skating, and local high school hockey.
History
Bird Arena is named in honor of Ossian Clinton Bird. Bird began at OU as the freshman football coach at Ohio University from 1917 to 1920; he also taught physical education. Over his years at OU Bird's positions included director of physical education and director of Intercollegiate Athletics.
The Arena was constructed in 1957 and was named in honor of Mr. O.C. Bird in 1960.
The Arena underwent major renovations from 2000 to 2001 that added a seamless Crystaplex dasher board system, four new locker rooms, insulation upgrades, new bleachers, thermal windows, enlarged concession stand, and pro shop. The arena has a 2000-seat seating capacity.
References
External links
Bird Ice Arena websiteOhio University Hockey HomepageOhio University
{{CSCHL
Ohio Bobcats
Sports venues in Ohio
Buildings and structures of Ohio University
Indoor arenas in Ohio
Indoor ice hockey venues in Ohio
College ice hockey venues in the United States