NHL Uses AI to Slash Hockey Arena Energy Bills by 17%

Keeping ice frozen while hosting 20,000 screaming fans turns out to be incredibly expensive, but artificial intelligence is about to make it a whole lot cheaper.

The National Hockey League just announced a partnership with building automation giant Honeywell to tackle skyrocketing energy costs at arenas, practice facilities, and community rinks across the U.S. and Canada. With energy bills jumping 11% to 17% recently, many facilities are struggling to stay financially sustainable.

The challenge is uniquely complex. Hockey arenas need to maintain perfect ice conditions while also hosting basketball games, concerts, and other events that require completely different climate settings. Traditional systems waste enormous amounts of energy switching between these demands.

Honeywell's solution uses AI-powered automation to predict exactly when different parts of a building need heating, cooling, or lighting. Instead of running full power constantly, the smart systems adjust in real time based on actual usage patterns and upcoming events.

"We keep pumping more technology into our buildings. It's getting more complex in there," says David Lehanski, the NHL's Executive Vice President of Business Development and Innovation. The partnership aims to simplify that complexity while slashing costs.

The process starts with Honeywell teams visiting each facility to understand their specific pain points and review energy bills. They then create customized automation plans that make buildings more flexible and responsive to actual needs rather than running on wasteful preset schedules.

The Ripple Effect

This partnership extends far beyond professional hockey. Community rinks where kids learn to skate often operate on razor-thin budgets, and a 17% reduction in energy costs could mean the difference between staying open or closing doors. Lower operating costs free up money for youth programs, equipment, and keeping ice time affordable for families.

The technology Honeywell has refined over nearly 40 years in building automation is now being tailored specifically for the unique demands of ice facilities. What works for office buildings needed adaptation for venues that must keep ice at 16 degrees while fans sit comfortably at 65 degrees just feet away.

As energy costs continue climbing nationwide, solutions that deliver immediate savings without requiring massive upfront investments become increasingly valuable. This partnership proves that smart technology can solve expensive problems while supporting the sports communities that bring people together.

Thousands of hockey players will soon be skating on ice maintained by artificial intelligence, never knowing the invisible systems keeping their game affordable and sustainable.