Project Overview
Gephart was hired as the electrical contractor for The Lee & Penny Anderson Arena on the University of St. Thomas campus in St. Paul, MN. This new, multi-purpose facility serves as the home for the University’s Division I Men’s and Women’s hockey and basketball teams. Additionally, the arena will host major campus and community events such as commencements, convocations, concerts, and career fairs. The facility also includes a second ice rink for practice, 2 basketball practice courts, locker rooms, training and recovery spaces, team lounges, and athletic offices, creating a comprehensive sports complex.
Our Work
Gephart’s contributions included:
Medium Voltage (15KV) Infrastructure
- New medium voltage 15KV switchgear lineup to refeed South Campus.
- Multiple coordinated shutdowns to accommodate existing residents.
- Concrete duct-bank for new medium voltage feeders.
- Multiple underground precast concrete manholes.
Low Voltage Switchgear Installation
- (2) 2500kva substations for arena.
- (2) 4000A 480v switchgear line ups.
Show Power/Satellite Truck Power Systems
- (2) 400A & (2) 200A 208v distribution units installed.
Emergency Generator
- (1) 750kw 480v generator with 300-gallon day tank.
- Dual-use connection cabinet for load-bank testing and optional generator use.
- Connection to fire-pump.
UPS Systems
- Installed (4) 30kva UPS systems for telecommunications backup.
Sports Lights
- Installed (60) sports lights for hockey and basketball setups.
- Installed (6) moving GOBO lights for productions.
Lighting Control System
- Relay based system on network for entire facility.
- Color changing for locker rooms and exterior front façade.
Cable Tray System
- System to accommodate telecommunication, broadcast, and AV Systems.
Fire Alarm System
- Smoke Control System for arena bowl integrated with campus security.
Center-Hung Scoreboard & Ribbon Board
- (2) 200A 208v distribution connections for main feed.
- Auxiliary connections and low voltage rough-in.
Ice Plant
- Separate feed to power up ice-plant to make ice for (2) rinks.
Lightning Protection System
Success
- Project was completed on time to start the 2025-2026 hockey season with a highly compressed schedule due to a work stoppage at the beginning of the project.
- Continued presence on-site after project completion.
- Disruption avoidance and safety were key working in a residential neighborhood and active student campus.