Opened in 1973, Schneider Arena recently underwent a renovation project that culminated in a grand reopening on Sept 27, 2013. The eight-month renovation project turned Schneider into one of finest on-campus men's and women's collegiate ice hockey facilities in the country, and it is home to the 2015 NCAA Men's National Champion Friar hockey team. Highlights of the 30,000-square foot addition and the renovation include a new atrium, ticket office, concession stands, coaches' offices, a shooting room, locker rooms, meeting rooms, athletic training room, press box, five luxury suites, dasher boards, new glass, video boards, video ribbon boards, scoreboards, a renovated Leary Friends of Friar Hockey Room, and a strength and conditioning facility.
Schneider Arena is named in memory of the late Rev. Herman D. Schneider, O.P., the founder of the Friars' highly successful hockey program and a long-time member of the school's faculty. Built at a cost of $1.8 million dollars in 1973, Schneider Arena also serves as the home of the Friar men's lacrosse team's offices and team facilities. Many of Rhode Island's youth and high school hockey teams, as well as junior hockey programs, practice and play games at this in-demand ice facility.