Sanford Center Converts from Hockey to Basketball

Bemidji arena faces challenges in transitioning between sports

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Sanford Center in Bemidji, Minnesota, which is primarily home to Bemidji State men's and women's hockey, faced logistical challenges in converting the arena from hockey to basketball for a recent event. Unlike larger venues like Madison Square Garden, the Sanford Center does not regularly make this transition, requiring significant effort and coordination.

Why it matters

The ability to efficiently convert an arena between different sports is an important capability for venues that host multiple types of events. The Sanford Center's struggles highlight the unique challenges faced by smaller, regional arenas compared to larger, more versatile facilities.

The details

To convert the Sanford Center from hockey to basketball, the arena staff had to remove the hockey boards, install a basketball court, and make other adjustments. This process was more complex and time-consuming than at larger arenas that regularly host both sports. The Sanford Center's focus on hockey means it lacks some of the specialized equipment and processes that make conversions easier at multipurpose venues.

  • The conversion took place in February 2026 ahead of a basketball event.

The players

Sanford Center

A multi-purpose arena in Bemidji, Minnesota that primarily hosts Bemidji State men's and women's hockey.

Madison Square Garden

A famous multi-purpose indoor arena in New York City that regularly hosts both hockey and basketball events.

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The takeaway

The Sanford Center's struggles to convert between hockey and basketball highlight the unique challenges faced by smaller, specialized venues compared to larger, more versatile arenas. This event underscores the importance of having the right equipment, processes, and experience to efficiently transition between different sports.