Ingalls Rink — 1958

History

Affectionately known as the “Yale Whale” for its uniquely streamlined roof, Eero Saarinen’s iconic Ingalls Rink is home to the Yale hockey team. Completed in 1958, the rink was named for David S. Ingalls ’20, who twice captained the men’s team, and his son, David Jr. ’56, also a player and captain. Saarinen, who would later design Morse and Stiles colleges, captured the sensation of speed with his novel 300–foot “backbone” design that has served generations of Yale hockey players and fans. After a partial renovation in 1991, Ingalls is currently undergoing a year-and-a-half-long renovation aimed at updating the facility for the next generation of Elis in both the men’s and women’s hockey programs. The work aims to improve visibility, seating and space in the rink, including new training facilities, without disturbing Saarinen’s famous façade. While the rink will be open for the Winter 2008 hockey seasons, the expected completion date for the renovations is September 2009.

Did You Know?

In April and May of 1970, the “Whale” became the site of political demonstration when almost 5000 people gathered inside to protest the arrest of Black Panther Bobby Seale.