Sports Spot: A Guy's Weekend In Grand Forks N. Dakota

By Tim Trudell Travel Writer and Author

A perennial national championship contender, watching a University of North Dakota ice hockey game is like watching an exhibition of future pro hockey players. Nearly every player on the Fighting Hawks roster is a National Hockey League draft pick or a coveted free agent.

Attending a game at sold-out Ralph Engelstad Arena highlights a guy’s weekend trip to Grand Forks. Watching the game along with a packed house of 11,000 people clad in green and black is an experience every sports fan should have on their bucket list.

With eight national titles in 22 trips to college hockey’s Frozen Four, the Hawks also annually compete for the National Collegiate Hockey Conference championship trophy.

With the pep band belting out a variety of songs - including “In Heaven There is no Beer” polka - fans cheer loud and often as Hawk players make big hits on the ice or take impressive shots, with the puck sneaking past the opposing goaltender for a score. When the red light illuminates, announcing a score, the crowd erupts in a loud ovation, followed by a few chants aimed at taunting the goalie for giving up a score.

Built about 25 years ago, the “Ralph,” as the arena is affectionately nicknamed, is a state-ofthe-art sports venue. The concourse showcases the school’s hockey history, with trophies, photos, sweaters, and sculptures on display.

With public tours available, you can enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at practice facilities, locker rooms, and a display of past hockey greats donned in their NHL or American Hockey League uniforms.

While a North Dakota hockey game is the highlight of a guy’s outing to Grand Forks, the city of about 45,000 on the North Dakota-Minnesota border offers a bit more fun to enjoy a long weekend.

Start the day with a homestyle breakfast at Darcy’s Cafe. With seating for less than 30 people, enjoy a hearty breakfast while sitting at the counter. Your coffee mug will never be empty during a visit.

Head downtown to check out local businesses and attractions. Badman Design creates beautiful metal art, from an American flag to window decor and holiday ornaments. You never know what you may take home.

Widman’s Candy shop is home to a Grand Forks delicacy - the Chipper. Chocolate-covered potato chips are produced from locally-sourced potatoes. The combination of sweet and salty flavors are mouth-watering. While there, grab a few bags of chocolates and candy for later enjoyment.

Grand Forks features a variety of coffeehouses. If you’re interested in locally roasted coffee, cross the bridge over the Red River into East Grand Forks to sample the coffee at Bully Brew. The coffee shop supports UND athletics with two roasts - Hawks Blend (medium roast) and Champions Blend (dark roast).

You can always grab a cup of coffee to go and cross the street to Cabela’s and explore the store’s outdoor sports offerings, such as fishing equipment, kayaks, clothes, and more. Check out the store’s collection of taxidermized North American animals.

Before the game (or after), stop in at Half Brothers Brewery in downtown Grand Forks for locally-brewed beer and a pizza. With a variety of IPAs, wheats, ales, and others, you’ll find a beer to your liking. Order a 13-inch pizza or a giant slice of options such as chicken alfredo, pepperoni and sausage, or the Midwest favorite bacon chicken ranch.

Is there anything that better describes a guy’s night out than enjoying pizza, beer, and a little axe throwing? At Downtown Axe, you can rent a lane for one or two hours. Learn to safely throw your axe single- or double-handed, and then have a blast as you seek the ultimate bull’s eye toss. Consider playing a few other games, such as balancing giant Jenga pieces or trying your hand at “Stumpy,” where each player pretends to be a lumberjack, attempting to drive a nail into a tree stump with a hammer. Downtown Axe serves Jimmy’s pizza from nearby Hatton, as well as beer and non-alcoholic drinks.

Reserve a suite at the Canad Inns Destination Centre. Not only are the suites spacious and comfortable, but the hotel is also home to Playmaker’s All-America Lounge, which includes a tribute to UND sports legends. You’ll find classic uniforms and historical photos, as well as a complete list of All-Americans.

Grab a drink or a bite to eat - poutine featuring dark gravy poured over French fries and cheese curds is a local favorite. You can watch