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HOUGHTON - The John MacInnes Student Ice Arena was built more than 35 years ago.

Little change has been done since then, but now Michigan Technological University is upgrading the facility in a way designed to enhance and maintain the atmosphere of the Husky Hockey's home ice.

Tech Director of Athletics Suzanne Sanregret said a recent $1 million gift from Ruanne and John Opie will allow Tech to renovate the existing suites to accommodate larger groups and build 10 private suites that can accommodate eight to 14 people each at the west end of the building.

The plans call for the suites above the current concourse, allowing people to still view the ice from the west end. Sanregret said the design work allows for future changes to the arena as part of a master plan that is being done in separate financial phases. Additionally, the design for the suite takes into consideration the existing layout of the arena.

"The architects were really efficient in that they were able to use the existing elevator, existing bathrooms," Sanregret said.

The suites will be available to both individuals and corporations, Sanregret said.

"Some will be rented out the entire season, others will be done on a game-by-game basis," she said.

Sanregret said future upgrades to the ice arena may include a video scoreboard, building a bridge on the east end so people can fully walk around the rink and upgrading the concession areas.

"The video scoreboard is definitely a priority and then we'll go from there," she said.

Layla Aslani can be reached at laslani@mininggazette.com.