Where Is Frozen Four 2025: St. Louis and the Gateway City Return Explained

Where Is Frozen Four 2025: St. Louis and the Gateway City Return Explained

If you’ve spent any time following college hockey, you know the vibe is just different. The student sections are louder, the pace is more frantic, and when everything boils down to those final few days in April, the atmosphere gets electric. For anyone asking where is Frozen Four 2025, the answer takes us right to the heart of the Midwest.

St. Louis, Missouri. The Gateway City.

It’s been a minute since the NCAA brought the big show to St. Louis. Actually, it’s been nearly two decades. The 2025 NCAA Men’s Frozen Four landed at the Enterprise Center on April 10 and 12, 2025. It wasn't just another tournament stop; it was a homecoming for a city that has quietly—or maybe not so quietly—become a massive hockey town.

👉 See also: Finding the Florida Atlantic basketball score: Why the Owls are still the most dangerous team in the AAC

The Venue: Enterprise Center

The Enterprise Center is the home of the NHL’s St. Louis Blues. Honestly, it’s one of those arenas that feels intimate despite its size. It’s located right in downtown St. Louis, which makes it perfect for the "Frozen Fest" activities that inevitably spill out into the streets.

The last time this event rolled through town was 2007. Back then, it was called the Scottrade Center. Michigan State took home the trophy that year. Before that? You have to go all the way back to 1975 at the old St. Louis Arena. There’s some serious history baked into those rafters.

The University of Vermont actually served as the host institution for the 2025 event. You might wonder why a school in New England is hosting a tournament in Missouri. It basically comes down to the partnerships between the St. Louis Sports Commission and various NCAA programs to ensure a high-level execution of the championship.

Why the 2025 Location Mattered

Choosing St. Louis wasn’t just a random dart throw at a map. The NCAA looks for specific things: a hockey-savvy fan base, a world-class arena, and a city that can handle thousands of traveling fans.

St. Louis checked every box.

The 2025 tournament was particularly wild because of the teams involved. We saw a mix of the "blue bloods" and the rising powers. Denver was there, looking to add to their record-breaking trophy case. But then you had Penn State and Western Michigan—teams that aren't usually in the final four conversation—making their presence felt.

🔗 Read more: Why Your Score on the Pacer Game is Probably Lower Than You Think

The Schedule and Atmosphere

The tournament followed the classic Thursday-Saturday format:

  • Thursday, April 10: The National Semifinals. Two games, back-to-back, that determine who plays for the big prize.
  • Saturday, April 12: The National Championship game.

Between those days? Friday is usually reserved for the Hobey Baker Award presentation. In 2025, this happened at the Stifel Theatre, just a short walk from the arena. It's the "Heisman of Hockey," and seeing the top collegiate player get honored in such a historic theater is pretty special.

Looking Beyond 2025

If you missed the St. Louis games, you’re probably looking toward the future. The NCAA doesn't keep these locations a secret for long.

For 2026, the Frozen Four is heading to Las Vegas. It’ll be at T-Mobile Arena, which is a total shift in vibe from the historic feel of St. Louis. But that’s the beauty of college hockey—one year you’re eating toasted ravioli in the Midwest, and the next you’re on the Vegas Strip.

Actionable Tips for Future Frozen Four Fans

If you're planning to attend a future championship, there are a few things you absolutely have to do.

First, book your hotel the second the regional brackets are announced. Maybe even before. Prices in the host city triple the moment the four teams are locked in.

Second, don't sleep on the "Frozen Fest." It’s free, it’s outside the arena, and it’s where you get the real fan experience. The pep rallies are usually held there, and the energy is better than most pro games.

Finally, check the "On Location" ticket packages. The NCAA uses them for VIP experiences. If you want to see the red carpet arrivals or get access to the Rinkside Club, that’s your path.

St. Louis in 2025 proved that the Heartland of Hockey is alive and well. Whether you were at the Enterprise Center or watching from a bar in Boston or Denver, the 2025 location provided a perfect backdrop for one of the best trophies in sports to be hoisted.