Robert Morris University has requested a $10 million state funding grant for construction of a new hockey facility.
The RMU request was submitted to the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) program, a state program for “the design, acquisition, and construction of a regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement project.”
The request details that the grant is for new construction of a 100,000 square foot hockey facility on the RMU campus in Moon Township with two sheets of ice and seating for 2,500. The facility will also have office space and locker rooms for the university’s men’s and women’s hockey teams.
The application for the grant does not guarantee acceptance, and RMU will be competing with other projects from around the region and the state for limited funds. It’s not clear if the university plans to proceed with the arena project if the grant is not obtained. A Robert Morris athletics spokesperson declined to comment on the news.
The programs have played at RMU Island Sports Center in Neville Island since they were founded in the 2004-05 season. That facility being located off campus, its small size and limited ability to upgrade it were factors in RMU deciding to eliminate the hockey programs after the 2020-21 season.
A grassroots local fundraising efforts brought the teams back to life, with the Colonials wrapping up their first season back in action this weekend. The men’s team is finishing its regular season at Air Force, while the women’s team is looking to advance in the CHA playoffs against Mercyhurst.
