Historical Society

Did You Know?

Lethbridge Arena Fire, March 1971

“Landmark destroyed in two hours”

Fifty years ago, on 12 March 1971, the Lethbridge Arena on 2 Avenue South was destroyed by fire.

The arena, opened in 1923, was the first indoor skating rink in Lethbridge. Originally built with natural ice, artificial ice was installed in 1936.

The blaze, which destroyed the arena, broke out at 10:30 pm in the third period of a junior hockey game between the Lethbridge Sugar Kings and the Edmonton Maple Leafs. The third period had to be played the following night in Taber.

The building was home to several memorable Lethbridge hockey teams, including the Lethbridge Maple Leafs, Lethbridge Native Sons and the Sugar Kings. The venue also hosted figure skating and numerous concerts and community events over the years.

Lethbridge Historical Society

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Photographs: Galt Museum & Archives P19752201171 Lethbridge Arena in 1959; and P19760212114 & P19760212117 Lethbridge Arena Ice Fire, 12 March 1971.