SHU wins P&Z approval for new ice hockey arena

Sacred Heart University has been given the final go-ahead from Fairfield”™s Plan and Zoning Commission to begin construction on a new ice hockey and skating arena.

The 3,621-capacity, $70 million facility will be built on SHU”™s West Campus at 3135 Easton Turnpike. When finished ”“ tentatively next year ”“ it will consist of about 123,000 square feet, and include 759 parking spaces.

The facility will be home to SHU”™s Division I men”™s and women”™s hockey programs, its nationally ranked figure skating team and its club ice hockey team.

The arena will also feature a pro shop, beer gardens, food venues, suites, meeting rooms and offices.

P&Z mandated that SHU maintain a shuttle service and pay for police to direct traffic during games. The university must also notify the members of the nearby Stratfield Village Association when it expects attendance at an event to exceed 1,000 people.