President Kupchella lauds Arena upon its fifth anniversary President Charles Kupchella praised the Ralph Engelstad Arena upon its fifth anniversary in the following statement: “Five glorious years after the inaugural game, the Ralph Engelstad Arena is every bit the amazing facility it was at the beginning. I remember walking into the finished arena for the first time and running out of superlatives to describe this magnificent piece of architecture on the Northern Plains. “Without question, the Ralph Engelstad Area has been a tremendous asset to the University of North Dakota campus, the city of Grand Forks, and our region. It is everything we envisioned it would be and more. “We wanted a first-rate hockey arena that would be the envy of every collegiate program, that would showcase in style what we believe is the finest hockey program in the country. We got all of that and more, a venue where all kinds of exciting things -- concerts, international hockey tournaments, bonspiels, even circuses -- could take place. “Maybe only Ralph himself understood the true level of buzz and sizzle that The Ralph would bring to the region. We will forever be grateful to the Ralph and Betty Engelstad family for this magnificent gift -- a gift that keeps on giving. “We appreciate the continued interest by Betty, her daughter Kris, and Owen Nitz and Jeff Cooper in making sure that The Ralph remains a highly positive asset for UND and the region.”