Schneider Arena, opened in 1973, was dedicated and is named in memory of the late Reverend Herman D. Schneider, O.P., the founder of the Friars' highly successful hockey program and a long-time member of the school's faculty.
Since its opening night win, a 1-0 decision over the University of Pennsylvania on September 24, 1973, Schneider Arena has been the home of over 330 Friar victories.
Built at a cost of $1.8 million dollars in 1973, the Schneider Arena ice skating facility has been recognized by many for its well-planned and smartly designed structure. The building seats 3,030 comfortably for hockey games and also serves as the home of PC's women's hockey team. The size of the ice surface is 200' X 85'.
In the summer of 2006, thanks to an anonymous $340,000 donation, the 3,030 existing seats were removed and new seats were installed. In addition, the locker rooms, training room as well as the coaches' offices were renovated.
In the summer of 2007, thanks to a $100,000 generous donation from the Hon. William C. Leary, a state-of-the-art women's locker room was renovated.
In 2009, the Friends of Friar Hockey Room located in PC's Schneider Arena, was renovated. The Friends of Friar Room includes plasma televisions, high-top counters, and a media library room displaying the history of Friar hockey.
Schneider Arena is one of Providence College's buildings that is in constant use. When not serving the needs of the men's and women's hockey programs or intramurals, the building serves as the home of many of Rhode Island's youth and high school hockey programs.
