In 2020, the University of St. Thomas received approval to elevate its athletic programs from NCAA Division III to Division I, bringing increased expectations and requirements for the university’s athletic facilities.
As the new home to the Division I Tomcats hockey and basketball teams, Lee & Penny Anderson Arena required a railing solution that balanced safety, premium aesthetics, and event versatility.
Designed as a multi-use arena hosting both hockey and basketball, the venue demanded a guardrail system durable enough for high-volume use but with a sleek, unobtrusive profile.
Sightline furnished 1,800 linear feet of track rail featured throughout the arena, from the front of the bowl to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) areas and the grand stairs.
The custom-fabricated system features 14.3-mm (0.563-in.) clear SGP and 20.6-mm (0.8125-in.) clear SGP glass, paired with stainless steel brushed cladding, a handrail, and a top cap.
Full-height divider glass was incorporated at suites and broadcast booths, along with full-height glass at the front of the bowl, preserving clear sightlines and elevating the arena’s upscale atmosphere.
The extensive use of glass supports an open, modern environment that enhances the spectator experience for both sports. However, a key challenge was the continuous 1.3 m (4.25-ft) tall front-of-bowl glass, engineered without a top cap to facilitate panel alignment.
With allowable bow variation between panels, achieving a uniform visual line required exceptional precision. Installation partner SSE delivered meticulous craftsmanship, while Sightline’s Glass Nut Glazing system helped streamline installation by eliminating the need for post-installation access to the assembly.
The result is a cleanly executed guardrail solution that enhances safety, preserves sightlines, and creates an elevated fan environment at Lee & Penny Anderson Arena.
- Owner: University of St. Thomas, Saint Paul, Minn.
- Architect: Ryan Companies, Minneapolis; Crawford Architects
- Metal railings manufacturer: Sightline Commercial Solutions
- Metal railings installer: SSE
