REA is a favorite tourist destination: Touring the Ralph Engelstad Arena is still a popular pastime that draws visitors from far and wide.

Publication: Grand Forks Herald (Grand Forks, ND)

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COPYRIGHT 2006 Grand Forks Herald

Byline: Candace Decker

Jul. 30--The summer tourist season draws a unique mix of visitors to tour areas in the Ralph Engelstad Arena that are usually off-limits to the public during the UND athletic season. On most weekdays, the 3 p.m. tour is full.

"The summer months are busier. We have 15 to 25 people per day," explained Jody Hodgson, general manager of the Ralph Engelstad Arena, which is more commonly referred to as "The Ralph" or the REA.

"We like to keep the tours small, up to 30 people, but it's up to the tour guide's personal preference," said Susie Miller, a UND junior who works in the REA Sioux Shop and helps to arrange tours. "It's not worth your money if the group gets too big."

Semi-retired UND professor Clarence Thompson said he has "been giving tours since it was a hardhat area." Construction on the $104 million arena began in November 1999, and drop-by VIP tours quickly followed. A few years later, the set tour schedule began.

Curiosity hasn't crested

Management is surprised the tours are still popular, five years after its grand opening hockey game Oct. 5, 2001.

"The thought was the honeymoon phase would wear off, but as word spreads, we're still giving tours," Hodgson said.

"In five years it hasn't declined...

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