Huntsville's Propst Arena Hosts Thriving Havoc Hockey

The Von Braun Center's ice hockey venue is a hit with fans in Alabama's largest city.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:00am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a Huntsville Havoc hockey game, with the ice, players, and spectators broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a palette of navy, red, and gold, conveying the dynamic energy of the sport.The Huntsville Havoc's home arena, Propst Arena, hosts high-energy minor league hockey in a vibrant, community-driven atmosphere.Huntsville Today

The Huntsville Havoc, a professional ice hockey team in the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL), plays its home games at the Propst Arena inside the Von Braun Center in downtown Huntsville, Alabama. The arena opened in 1975 and has hosted lower-level hockey teams over the years, including the Huntsville Blast and Huntsville Channel Cats. The Havoc have won three SPHL championships since joining the league in 2004.

Why it matters

Huntsville has emerged as an unlikely hockey hotbed in the American South, with the Havoc consistently ranking among the SPHL's attendance leaders. The team's success and the vibrant atmosphere at Propst Arena showcase how a minor league franchise can thrive by tapping into a community's passion for the sport.

The details

Propst Arena features a contemporary feel with its glass-enclosed atrium entryway, three-tiered seating bowl, and high-energy game presentation. Fans enjoy a wide variety of concessions, including local craft beers, while being entertained by on-ice activities and promotions during breaks in the action. The arena's location in downtown Huntsville provides easy access and opportunities for fans to explore the city's growing arts and entertainment district before and after games.

  • The Von Braun Center opened on March 14, 1975.
  • The Huntsville Havoc began play in the 2004–05 season.
  • The Havoc have won SPHL championships in 2009, 2017, and 2019.

The players

Huntsville Havoc

A professional ice hockey team that plays in the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) and has called the Propst Arena home since 2004.

Von Braun Center

A multi-purpose facility in downtown Huntsville that houses the Propst Arena, where the Havoc play their home games.

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What’s next

The Huntsville Havoc will begin their 2026-27 SPHL season in October, looking to add to their three league championships.

The takeaway

The success of the Huntsville Havoc at the Propst Arena demonstrates how a minor league franchise can thrive by tapping into a community's passion for the sport, even in an unlikely hockey market like the American South. The team's loyal fan base and the arena's vibrant atmosphere have made Huntsville a destination for SPHL hockey.