The Olympic Center
Want to learn more about the game that became known as "The Miracle on Ice"... Check out our mini-site devoted to the greatest sporting event of the century.
While in the Olympic Center, don't miss the virtual reality experience. The simulation includes bobsled from the drivers point-of-view, alpine skiing, ice hockey as the goalie, ski jumping from the 120m tower, and luge - all in one experience. Just $7/person.
This is where "The Miracle" happened in 1980. The U.S. Hockey Team's victory over the Soviet Union. And in 1932, this is where figure skater-turned movie star Sonja Henie grabbed her second of three consecutive Olympic gold medals.
The Olympic Center isn't just about history. These days, its four fully-operating rinks provide a haven for hockey players, speed skaters and figure skaters to hone their craft year round. It's also the home of Smucker's Stars on Ice featuring some of the world's finest figure skaters. And if you'd like to lace up a pair of your own, evening skating (including skate rentals) is available. For sports historians, the 1932 & 1980 Lake Placid Winter Olympic Museum features changing exhibits, video booths plus the craft and equipment used by some of the world's greatest athletes. And while the center may be a sports paradise, it's also a concert venue that's hosted the likes of Shania Twain, Bob Dylan and Brooks & Dunn to mention a few.
1932 and 1980 Winter Olympic Museum
| Time: | 10am to 5pm |
| Date: | Daily |
| Rate: | $5 Adult / $3 Jr/Sr |
Public Skating
| Please check the weekly activity calendar for dates and times | |
| Rate: | $5 Adult / $3 Jr/Sr |
Freaky Fridays
| Time: | 4:30pm |
| Date: | June 20 July 4, 11, 18, 25 August 8, 15, 22 |
| Rate: | Free |
Saturday Night Ice Shows
| Time: | 7:30pm |
| Date: | June 21 July 2, 12, 19, 26 August 9, 16, 23 |
| Rate: | $9 Adult / $7 Jr/Sr |
Special Events at the Olympic Center
| June 26 to 28 | 2008 Free Skating Championships |
| July 30 to August 2 | 2008 Ice Dance Championships |
| August 2 to August 9 | USA Hockey National Junior Evaluation Camp |
| August 12 to August 24 | USA Hockey Women’s National Team Festival |
One of the four operating rinks that the Olympic Center features is the Herb Brooks Arena, named after the legendary Olympic coach who led the unheralded 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team to its historic defeat of the Soviet Union and ultimately, a gold medal. Sadly, this historic figure died in an auto accident during the summer of 2003.
At 7,700, the Herb Brooks Arena has the largest seating capacity of our indoor rinks. This part of the Olympic Center was officially dedicated to Herb Brooks on Feb. 23, 2005. That was the night of the pinnacle celebration for the 25th anniversary of the 1980 Winter Games.
New York Governor George E. Pataki made the announcement and presentation before 6,000 onlookers, including the Brooks family.
