Lake Placid Olympic Center | Adirondacks

The Lake Placid Olympic Center is a historic and multi-purpose complex located in Lake Placid, New York, that has played a significant role in Olympic history and continues to be a major hub for winter sports, cultural events, and community activities. It was the site of key events during both the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics, including the famous "Miracle on Ice" hockey game in 1980.

Facilities and Venues

1932 Jack Shea Arena
This arena is one of the original Olympic venues, named after Jack Shea, a two-time Olympic gold medalist from Lake Placid. It serves as a public skating rink today and offers sessions for recreational skating, figure skating, and special events. The arena maintains much of its historic charm while providing modern amenities.

1980 Herb Brooks Arena
Named after Herb Brooks, the coach of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team, this arena seats about 7,700 spectators. It was the primary venue for ice hockey during the 1980 Winter Games, including the iconic "Miracle on Ice" match where the U.S. team defeated the Soviet Union. The arena remains in active use for hockey games, tournaments, public skating, and large-scale events.

USA Rink
This rink served as a practice facility during the 1980 Winter Olympics. It is still used for training and local ice sports, providing additional ice time for athletes and recreational skaters.

James C. Sheffield Speed Skating Oval
An outdoor Olympic-size speed skating rink named after James C. Sheffield, a key figure in bringing the 1932 Winter Olympics to Lake Placid. It’s open during winter months for speed skating and public skating and provides a unique outdoor skating experience.

Conference Center
The Olympic Center also features a versatile conference and meeting space that can accommodate up to 1,200 people. It hosts business conferences, community events, weddings, and other gatherings.

Activities and Events

Public Skating
Visitors can enjoy public skating sessions on both indoor arenas (Jack Shea and Herb Brooks) and on the outdoor speed skating oval during the winter season. Skate rentals and skating aids are available for those who need them.

Stick n’ Puck Sessions
These sessions provide non-competitive ice time for hockey players to practice skills individually. Players must bring their own equipment.

Figure Skating
The center supports figure skating activities for all skill levels and ages, with opportunities to take lessons from certified coaches.

Major Events
The center regularly hosts high-profile competitions, including collegiate hockey championships, figure skating competitions, and regional skating events. For example, the 2025 World Figure & Fancy Skating Championships and ECAC Men’s Hockey Championship are held there.

Lake Placid Olympic Museum

The Olympic Center houses the Lake Placid Olympic Museum, which showcases one of the most extensive collections of Winter Olympic memorabilia in the world. Exhibits include interactive displays, historic artifacts from the 1932 and 1980 Olympics, 3D visualizations, and information about the athletes and events that have defined Lake Placid’s Olympic legacy. The museum offers an immersive experience that tells the story of the Winter Games and the region’s important role in Olympic history.

Visiting Information

Location: 2634 Main Street, Lake Placid, NY 12946

Hours: Open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Contact: Phone (518) 523-1655, Email [email protected]

Website: lakeplacidolympiccenter.com

Additional Notes

The Olympic Center is part of the broader Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) venues, which include Whiteface Mountain ski resort and Mt. Van Hoevenberg Nordic center. Visitors can purchase a Legacy Sites Passport to gain discounted access to multiple venues, as well as dining and shopping discounts in the Lake Placid area.

The Lake Placid Olympic Center remains a living tribute to Olympic history while actively supporting athletes, tourists, and the local community through its diverse range of sports facilities, events, and cultural experiences.