The Dayton Arena was constructed in 1979 as the College’s first athletic facility built on a section of campus overlooking the Thames River. The arena’s construction coincided with the hiring of former NHL player Doug Roberts to begin a varsity men’s ice hockey program in 1980-81. The facility has hosted several ECAC and NESCAC playoff games as well as numerous figure skating and youth hockey events. The facility features a 200-by-85-foot ice surface, seating for 500, offices and locker rooms.