The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) has revealed that the Boys and Girls State Hockey Tournaments will be staged at the newly constructed LEGACY20 Arena in DeForest Yards starting in 2027, with the agreement set to run through the 2029 tournament.
A Strategic Relocation
The move reflects a broader effort to modernize the state’s high‑school hockey landscape, offering teams a venue equipped with two ice surfaces, a 3,000‑seat capacity and cutting‑edge sound and lighting systems.
State officials say the new arena will host the tournaments on March 4‑6, 2027, and will feature an indoor rink alongside a covered outdoor sheet, providing flexibility for weather‑related adjustments.
A Legacy of Competition
The tournaments have a storied history, having been held at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum from 1971 to 2022, with brief interruptions in 1974, 1975 and 2021, before moving to Bob Suter’s LEGACY20 Arena in Middleton for the 2023‑2026 seasons.
Since 2002, the girls’ championship has been scheduled alongside the boys’ event, creating a unified weekend that draws large crowds from across the state.
Partnership and Vision
WIAA Executive Director Stephanie Hauser said the new venue aligns with the association’s commitment to providing world‑class experiences for student‑athletes, coaches and fans.
Andrew Joudrey, president and CEO of LEGACY20 Operation, added that the facility’s state‑of‑the‑art scoreboard and high‑definition video board will elevate the tournament’s production value.
Jamie Patrick of the Madison Area Sports Commission highlighted the importance of preserving the tradition of WIAA championships in Madison and Dane County, noting that the new arena secures that legacy for years to come.
Future Impact
The agreement also brings the Madison Capitols of the United States Hockey League into the venue for the 2026‑27 season, ensuring a vibrant schedule of elite hockey throughout the year.
Local leaders anticipate that the upgraded facilities will boost tourism, create economic opportunities and reinforce Wisconsin’s reputation as a hub for amateur hockey.